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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We finally got a gaggle of letters from Elder Haycock. They encompass the entire month of October...but it was wonderful to hear from him! Letter dated October 2 Well, I don't know if you will get my last letter because I had every intention of sending it but I don't know where it went after I wrote it and sealed it. Well this last week had its highs and lows. Some things that happened this week: So the school here is having a competition against the other schools in the Tarawaieta. All of our member have been working since sunrise to 8 or 9 pm every day this week getting the school ready. I am so excited that the work will be done soon so we can get back to teaching the gospel more. On Thursday we went to Nabeina and we got invited to a birthday party on Saturday. (Kiribati people only really celebrate 2 birthdays - when they turn 1 and 21.) So this party gave us a way into the hearts of the people of Nabeina. The only problem we had this week is all our Melchezidek Priesthood holders were busy with fixing the school. This made us have problems finding people to go on splits with us. All the people we were supposed to meet with weren't home, so we spent a lot of our time rescheduling our appointments for later in the week. Saturday was an interesting day for Curren and I. It was also a frustrating day. We were told that this Bootaki (party) was supposed to start at 2, but it turned out that the cake stayed in Tarawa and the boats couldn't get out because it was low tide. So we were forced to wait on that until 4 and had a dinner appointment for the same time. Elder Curren and I divided and conquered both tasks. Letter dated October 9 Mauri Utu, I decided I was going to combine this letter. Monday was a great combined day, it was nice to see almost everyone from my intake. Tuesday through Thursday was pretty much ordinary missionary days where we wake up at 6 am, excercise, shower, study, teach 8 - 10 lessons per day, have dinner, go to bed. Thursday night we had YSA from Eita 2nd Ward come and stay here for three days so we had a kainutu that night. Friday was a bigger day as they wanted to help with the missionary work. They helped us track 90% of the houses here in Kainaba. That night we had a game night with a fishing contest and a bunch of card games. Saturday we were priveledged to have the baptism of Taniera, a member who lost his records from Abemama. Really awesome baptism. Sunday was a nice taromauri and relaxing Sunday. Sorry that this note is short - just not a lot happened. I tangiringkami, Elda Ekaki Letter dated October 16 Mauri utu, Ngkami kam uara n te wirki aei? I am doing great and happy that help is coming this next week, I think I will know more on Wednesday. So for Monday, what a waste of a P-day. I helped Elder Curren with his test, fix his essays, grab stuff for Kainaba, and then we finally got to Moroni at 4:30 with just a half an hour to play games and to relieve some of my stress. But nope - it wasn't to be because he had to find a bar for his pullups so that time was wasted. Then we had a kainutu. This week has been a little frustrating as we were super busy with two companionship's and just a little frustrated with how many times I've been lied to this week. Thougts for this week comes from a list of scriptures that I have been studying. 2 Nephi 4:28, Jude 1:21, 2 Nephi 9:45, 2 Nephi 11:6 and 3 Nephi 12:48. The general theme that I have gotten is that as I rely on my Savior I can receive strength to do all things even when I'm frustrated with members, investigators, companions, branch presidents, etc. I know that he can give me strength. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiringkami, Elda Ekaki
Letter dated October 23 Mauri utu, How are you all doing? Ngai, I rangi ni maraning n te bong aei. Well the breakdown of the week. I am sending four letters this week. Oops. Life has been crazy busy. Breakdown of Tuesday: normal work day with Elder Curren. On Wednesday we came in for Zone Conference. Super good. It was really nice to see almost everyone from my intake. Thursday was an adventure. We ended up missing the waa and so we had to bike from Kainaba to Temwaiku during low tide because we had to be at infield orientation. That was my first time training as I got a new "kid". His name is Elder Roberts. So I am still working on Kainaba with my "kid" and Elder Curren and his "kid" - Elder Payne - so now there are four of us. Friday we came back and had a bootaki to welcome the new elders. Super fun. Saturday was a full day along with Sunday. That pretty much sums up the week. I would like to close with my testimony that I know this church is true. That Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. That through Him, I am saved. I tangiringkami, Elda Ekaki
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We didn't hear from Elder Haycock this week via email because of his Mission wide conference, but did receive a letter dated October 30, 2017.
Family: Mauri Utu, Before I go over teh contents of the week, I just want to say thank you for that package. It has been a HUGE help - especially the white shirts. You know I started my mission with 15 white shirts. Well, the week before the package came, I was down to 1 white shirt. When it got dirty I would wash it at night and hang it up to dry. So yeah....thanks! Contents of this week: Tuesday was a normal busy work day. Wednesday was a little tough as everyone does what is called "the Market". Basically it is like this: they prepare some food such as the breadfruit, fish that has been sun dried, sand worms that are cooked, or they prepare stuff for smoking. Then after they prepare it all, they get on a waa and take it to South Tarawa and sell it and that is how people get their money here. Thursday was very busy as we each taught 10 lessons for a total of 20 that day. Friday is known as the bwakabwai as that is when government jobs get their money or when retirement money is paid. So everyone works extra hard to make sure that they have stuff for this past weekend so that they can have money for the week. It is basically the same in how we get paid every other week for the work we do. So there was no one in their houses until after 6:30 when the waa came back. Saturday was the same as Friday plus there was a bootaki for the teachers from the KTC (local church that doesn't really like Mormons) and so everyone on the south end of the island was busy as it was their turn to feed them. Sunday was interesting. We had President Tongoi, the District President, come and he called a new group leader which should be good for Kainaba. Yep, that's what happened this week. Still struggling with being lied to, but, I know without opposition, there is no growth. My spiritual thought this week comes from a scripture that was quoted by President Uchtdorf in this month's Home Teaching Message. It comes from 1 Corinthians 1:27 which says, "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." I really liked this scripture because that is how our Heavenly Father works. I can name countless experiences such as David and Goliath, Elijah, Adam and Eve - even Jesus Christ. But I want to focus on just one and that is the name of a 14 year old farm boy, Joseph Smith. He was born and raised in a family who believed in the Bible and taught him to read from it. He also lived in a time of great religious excitement. He was really confused why there were so many churches because they were all different to the point that he didn't attend any of them. But one thing he kept doing was reading from the Bible when he came across this verse in the Epistle of James Chapter 1 verse 5. It says, "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." Because of Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ's church is back on the earth restored in fullness - never to be taken again. I know my Savior lives. What joy this sentence brings. I know that through Him I can be saved. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiringkami, Elda Ekaki Mauri Mom, How has your week been? Any fun and exciting projects coming up? What are your plans for Christmas? How are your prayers? How is your Book of Mormon reading going? These last two questions we ask every investigator, recent convert and member. We might think that these little things are so simple and that sometimes we can put them off. However, that is not the case. Eternal salvation is on the line. Only through our small righteous actions can we be ready for the daily temptations of the Devil. Through prayer we can build our testimonies and our truths here a little, there a little. But if we don't exercise our faith, we lose those precious truths. This is my thought that has touched me this past week as that is the only way investigators can progress. I know that my Redeemer lives! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiriko, Elda Ekaki Mauri Dad, How's the new calling going? I heard that you are taking a class at school. How is that? I am sure you are doing great in your personal study of the scriptures. This past week I have been studying the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi. It is so cool to see his prophecies that he foretold of long ago apply to today. He really saw our day! This week has bee my first whole week in training and so far it has had its ups and downs, but I'm excited for this experience and I am thankful for the Lord's trust in allowing me to train this missionary. It has brought a new perspective and has forced me to open my mouth to explain and to put my trust in my Heavenly Father to help me with what I should say. It has also helped me to know how I can help others come unto Christ. I really liked this scripture in 2 Nephi 12:2 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above hills, and all nations shall flow unto it." - The mountain of the Lord's house refers to the temples of God and all nations shall flow unto it refers to the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. I love how this prophecy has already come true and will probably continue to grow. I am so thankful for scriptures that teach us about these latter days. I know that as we continue to study the Book of Mormon, we can know what Heavenly Father wants for us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen I tangiriko, Elder Ekaki Mauri Liz, How are you? How is school treating you? What are your plans for after school? Are you still thinking about a mission? I will share a small mission experience with you. So in the end of September, we baptized a lady named Eretia. She is 23 years old and hasn't married yet. So anyway, I was lessoning (teaching haha) with her and I asked her if she had received her truth about the Book of Mormon and she said she did. I then asked her how she got that truth. She said, " I was praying one night after a long day of work. And I asked my Heavenly Father for the truth of the Book of Mormon. " She continued, "As soon as I said those words, I felt this overwhelming feeling of joy rush over me. I knew in that instant it was true." Because of her sweet little testimony, my testimony was strengthened. I want to testify to you that if we have a question, we can "ask of God" and He will give the answer to us. I know this to be true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiriko, Elda Ekaki Mauri Nate, What's up bro? I want to share a mission experience with you - it's with this family - her name is Bwataua and her son's name is Kauma. So she was reading one night and had a picture out of Joseph Smith. When her son came in and said, "What's that?", hit the picture and then spit on it. As soon has he spit on it, a small solar panel that was placed very securely fell and hit him in the head. Because of this experience, she now has a testimony of the Book of Mormon and that Joseph Smith is a prophet. I want you to know how much your Heavenly Father loves you and I want you to know he wants what is best for you. I know that as you follow his counsel, you will be blessed. I tangiriko, Elder Ekaki Mauri Josh, What's new in Montana? I heard you went to your first Stake dance. How was that? Have you recorded yet? I am anxious to hear you play. I thought of some things I want to tell you that will make you a successful person: 1. Put God first. If you do this everything will run smooth. 2. Daily scripture study and prayer. By building our faith daily we are ready to face the fiery darts of the adversary. 3. Keep the Commandments - keep them all so that you may be blessed, so that you will prosper. These are three things that I know will help us stay on the path, the straight and narrow path. I know my Savior lives and loves me too. I atongi bwaai aikai, Amen. I tangiriko, Elda Ekaki Mauri Sarah, Ko uara? (How are you?) What have you been up to lately? I heard you got in as the class student council secretary! That's really cool! I wanted to share with you something. I know that God loves us with whatever decision we make. It may seem like He is upset with us, but in reality, He's dissappointed in the decision we made and is hoping and waiting for us to come back to Him. We can do this through repentance. This includes both the small and large things we do. Here is the process: 1. We need to know what we are doing is wrong and recognize it. 2. We need to feel remorse for what we did. 3. We need to ask for forgiveness from our Heavenly Father. 4. If we committed a sin against someone else, we need to ask for their forgiveness too. 5. We need to work hard to never do it again. I know that was we repent, we can feel our Savior's love. I know He lives and loves us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen I tangiriko, Elder Ekaki Mauri Hannah, How are you? Are you helping mom and dad out by being a good girl? I want you to know how much Heavenly Father loves you and wants what is best for you. As you follow the counsel of your parents and listen to what they say, they will love and help you to choose the right. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiriko, Elder Ekaki Mauri mom, My comp is doing good! He is definitely opening up. The members are getting better but are still struggling with opposition and the word of wisdom. Christmas package...I guess don't worry about the sandals - I'm using my Tevas with the backs cut out. So yeah... SD Cards: preferably the ones that are micro because they can be used with everything. Can you make sure there are drink packets in it because the water is not the best tasting. I want you to know how much I love you. I feel okay but I am a little stressed as I don't know what the future holds... As my time is coming close to leaving Kainaba. But I am excited for what the Lord has in store for me. This week we are having a mission tour so I don't know what to do because that backpack allows me to carry stuff I need to every lesson. So I don't know what they will do. Well that is news to me about the bags and shoes because that will cause more back pain, but if that is what they want, we will follow it. (Changes to the bags and shoes missionaries in this region can use were put on the mission website earlier this week with the understanding that the current missionaries would phase out in 4 to 6 months to the new standards which is a challenge for most of the missionaries serving here. That would be about 3 months shy of Elder Haycock returning home.) It'll probably be a while before you hear from me again. Don't panic if it's 3 or 4 weeks. I tangiriko, Elder Ekaki Letter dated September 18, 2017 Mauri Utu, Wow, what a week this has been as we have found 10 new investigators! Nothing really too exciting happened. Monday we went into Tarawa to finish up some of Elder Curren's college applications and to put in Tiingau's birthday. So...turns out we took the wrong person's information with us. Turns out it was the wife of Taorita that we needed to put in. So that was wonderful. (sarcasm) Tuesday was a high investigator finding day. As well as Wednesday. Thursday was like an other day of work as you see your investigators start to progress. Friday was a little slow as no one was in their house because of the waa. We also helped to build a seawall behind the Primary. Saturday all of our investigators came back like at 5:00 to 6:30 PM, so we taught 7 lessons in 2 hours. That was fun. Sunday was great. Namwaroro gave his wife a piggy back just so that both of them could come to church. They are on their way to being ready for baptism. Elder Curren and I went on splits so that Nabeina (little villiage to the north) could get church this week too. My spiritual though for this week comes from a book by Thomas S. Monson - "A Future As Bright As Your Faith": Persevere and Endure: "The natural branches began to grow and thrive exceedingly and the wild branches began to be plucked off and to be cast away; and they did keep the root and top thereof equal, according to the strength thereof." - Jacob 5:75 We know that there are times when we will experience heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve, and wen we may be tested to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the better than we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we were, with stronger testimonies than we had before. This should be our purpose - to persevere and endure, yes, but also to become more spiritually refined as we make our way through sunshine and sorrow. This though has been a huge help this last week as I have persevered through the ups and downs of things not working in the local government and other challenges. I have a testimony of my Savior, I know that through Him I can do all things. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Letter dated September 25th, 2017
Mauri Utu, Ngkami, kam uara? I am doing great this week! This last week has been fun and hard as we will have to fix some of the church structure this next week. Baptism this week was awesome! Eretia was able to get baptized this past Saturday. She was an awesome investigator, knew everything was true. She was so cool. While she was an investigator, she helped with the youth by having a barbecue for all the youth and she brought all the food. It has been a very fast week - we got a lot done, but there is not a lot to talk about. My spiritual thought comes from 1 Nephi as I have been studying it deeper. I love Nephi's example even though he was young, he put his strength and trust in the Lord. Because of this he was blessed. I have noticed this also. Instead of complaining, if I ask the Lord for help, He gives it to me. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that Heavenly Father loves you all. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki |
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. |