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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Kam na Bane ni Mauri,
Wow! How fast time does fly. It is crazy to think that it has already been two years. It feels like I just got here. It was really nice to be able to have my final interview with President Larkin yesterday along with a yummy dinner of Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, and Biscuits & Gravy. So good. I am so thankful for this time that I have had to serve the Lord for two years. Mission Tour This is when a member of the Area Seventy Presidency of the Pacific Area comes and tours our mission and gets a feel and gives advice in how it can improve. This time we have the privilege of having Elder Nattress the second counselor coming to visit. He is arriving today, Zone Conference tomorrow, and leaves on Friday to go to the Marshall Islands. Since being on my mission, I have been able to meet all three members of the Area Seventy Presidency of the Pacific Area. I'm excited for tomorrow. Especially the insights that he will hopefully provide. Souvenirs I have been able to receive some - the Lord is amazing and knows what his children need. You will have to wait and see. Requests I would like some salad with light Italian dressing including as many vegetables as possible if possible. If not, just something simple to digest and not too greasy or sugary. Yes, that is what I said - I want to ease my self in to the other foods. Also will the Stake President be awake when I come home @ 10:50 PM? Spiritual Thought We had Stake Conference this last week. What a blessing it is to have men called of God. We had Elder Sienshu, I believe that is how you spell it. It was a beautiful Stake Conference. I loved his commitment he gave it goes like this I encourage you all to follow it: "Would you show love for your Savior by bringing back the lost one to the Fold?" He focused on how we are all ministers and encouraged us to bring back one. I can't wait to come back to fulfill that purpose. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and He has control of the helm as we allow Him. Believe in Him and Believe Him. He will do miracles for everyone. I know that as we look unto him we will have nothing to fear and will be able to conquer everything. (D&C 6:36). I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki Bikenibeu 2 West Pics: You will just have to wait three more days!
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Kam na bane ni Mauri,
An interesting week. It has nice to be healthy again to help move the work forward this week. Sadly I won't be able to see any more of my investigators baptized but I can help help them be ready to be baptized the Saturday after I leave. It is so great the missionary work. I also had my time to bear my testimony as I am leaving. I included a photo of all the missionaries leaving before the next Zone Conference. I am excited to be able to participate in the next mission tour before I leave to come back home. My spiritual thought I am going to share my testimony: I ataia bwa Iesu Kristo bon ara Tia Kamaiu. E atia n nakomai nakon te aonaba n katoka iaon ara bure ni kabane ao ni tauraki iaon te kaibangaki. Bwa ti aonga n ngaira tatabemanira nako ti kona ni manga teirake ao tei i matana. Ni motikaki taekara ni karekea te motirawa irakin ara tia kamaiu. I ataia bwa te ekaretia aei, Ana Ekaretia Iesu Kristo Ibukiia aika a Itiaki ni Boong aika Kaitira e atia ni kaokaki rinanon te burabeti ae Iotebwa Timiti. I ataia bwa Iotebwa Timiti e bon ana burabeti te Atua. I kakoaua bwa Russel M Nelson bon ana burabeti ae maiu ngkai ao e kairiia ana Ekaretia Iesu Kristo ngkai. I kamatoa bwa ana burabeti te Atua. I kaoti naba bwa I atiani weteaki iroun te burabeti ma ni kamatoaki ao katabuaki bwa e na toro irouna. I ataia bwa Beretineti Larkin e atia ni weteaki bwa e na mwakuri ma ni kairiia te Marshall Islands Kiribati Mission. Ao I kararabwa ibukin ana boutoka man ana ibuobuoki nakoiu n tai nako. Morarariki I kamato bwa te mwaane ae weteaki iroun te Atua. I ataia bwa Ana Boki Moomon e boni Koaua! I atia n tataroakina ma ni bubuti ma te nano ae koaua ibukin koauana ao I ataia bwa e koaua. Ao I kaungai nanami bwa kam na wareware mai iai ni katao bong. E kakawakira. I ataia bwa te utu e atia ni katabuaki iroun te Atua bwa bon te tabo ni reirei ao kariki natira. Ao ti kona n riki bwa te utu ae akea tokina ngkana ti mare ma ni kawakin ara berita ti atia ni karaoa inanon te tembora. I anga au kararabwa nakon Tamara are i Karawa ibukin ana boutoka nakoira tatabemanira nako. Ao I kukurei bwa I kona kaboua ao berita ae tabu ni katoa tai I kana te toa. I kaoti nakoimi bwa I tangiringkami. Ao I atongi bwai aikai n aran Iesu Kristo, Amen. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki Bikenibeu 2nd West ps sorry I ran out of time to translate... Kam na bane ni Mauri!!
This week has been interesting as I have been recovering, but it has also been rewarding. It has been cool to see the rewards of patience and hard work. Well it is hard sometimes to rest, because I don't like resting - but I know I need to in order to get better. As I have taken it easy and work in the morning and afternoon hours - resting during the hottest part of the day, I have found that I can still do my best. Let's see what else happened this week...the power for three days would shut off while they do some work with the line. It has been interesting with it off. The work is the Lord's work. There are times when the work is good and times where it is struggling. I believe we are coming out of one of those struggling times. We have finally been able to see some of the blessings of being patient and waiting things out. People have started coming to us or we are starting to receive more referrals from members and missionaries. It is really cool how the Lord directs His work. Spiritual Thought, comes from 3 Nephi 22:17. "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." I really love this scripture. It has given me strength to fight against the opposition of the world (Satan). I know that through my Savior I can receive strength as this song states: Savior, Redeemer of my soul, whose mighty hand hath made me whole, Whose wondrous pow'r hath raised me up And filled with sweet my bitter cup! What tongue my gratitude can tell O gracious God of Israel. Never can I repay thee Lord, But I can love thee thy pure word Hath it not been my one delight, My joy by day, my dream by night? Then let my lips proclaim it still, And all my life reflect thy will. I love this song as He is the way we can be healed and we can receive strength. I testify to you that this is true. In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki Bikenibeu 2 West 17 days Kam na bane ni Mauri!!
Well as you see how I stated in my subject line...I have Dengue Fever. Yes, it was confirmed yesterday as Elder Belshe took me to the hospital in Nawerewere to have my blood checked for Dengue Fever and to really figure out what has been going on this last week as I have passed out on my bicycle, feeling dizzy for multiple days, head feeling swollen, back and stomach pain. The nice thing is that my blood came back normal. I was just positive for Dengue Fever. But let me tell you that hospital was an experience that I will share after the mission. Elder Gilmour is doing great and has been awesome in helping focus on the work as I have been afflicted with this sickness. I really appreciate his patience and love that he has shown to me this last week. Nibley 4th Ward: That will be fun get it set up and we will visit the family too in Utah. It will also be nice to see lots of my friends come back from their missions. Spiritual Thought: Repentance is like turning around a boat. You have already given the order and it is being carried out, but it also takes time for it to be carried out. My encouragement to you all is that if there is something that you have not repented of yet; Repent! and get back on the path! Prepare yourself for the Sacrament to be ready to renew your covenant and to be able to start on a new page. I'm so thankful for this gospel and that we can repent of our sins. I know that God lives and loves us and as we choose to follow him we will be blessed and will have Joy in our lives. I love you all and wish you all a good week. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki Bikenibeu 2 West` Mauri utu,
This week I am hanging in there as these past couple of days I have been dealing with stomach pain and lack of energy but other than that. Low chill week. Not a lot of work went on as everyone was in Bairiki for the celebrations, (Kiribati Independence Day) however I was able to meet some members. Quote of the Week: "None of us are truly clean, but we must do our best. As we petition the LORD for his blessing." Ephraim Hanks I really liked this quote as it has helped me this last week to push through this week. I know that God Lives and that we are his children. Elder Gilmour came back yesterday. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki DSCF3148 - Mauri, Wow! What a week... It's been hard this week as Satan is facing me on every front. It has been hard this week to keep a positive outlook on things. This week as you know that Elder Gilmour is in the Hospital in the Marshalls. The reason he was sent there was not because of Dengue Fever - that lasts about three days. (I spoke with Elder Gilmour's mom - he was diagnosed in hospital with Dengue Fever and is expected to make a full recovery in about a week) He is there because he possibly most likely has the start of kidney stones and pneumonia. I was in a trio for half of a day, then I got Elder Sagapolu since he was also in a trio. The work has been hard as nothing wants to work out or go the way you planned or no one wants to listen. It is very frustrating. Hugh. But...the week is over so there is hope. Tender Mercies: Don't worry about the pants - Elder Pratt left a pair or forgot a pair, so I have received a pair of pants and two white shirts now and it is so nice to have shirts. The other thing that has been nice is our Land Lord (mother) has been really awesome and has been helping me out a lot. (We asked about sending cash - Australian or American currency) Either or some of both it is up to you. I know that luggage will be taken care of because that is what the Mission will do. Thank you a lot for sending me a package. Yeah I love you all a lot! Alma 36:3,26 I tangiringkami, Elder Haycock Alma 36:3, 26 Mauri, Well I am sending a small note to let you all know that I'm alive and really to tell you all I love you all. I am also sending a letter so I don't want to spoil it's contents. So I will answer your major questions. My week was good/bad - whatever you want to call it - as people moving, things moving, companion getting sick, and having an awesome personal study. So yeah, that describes my week. Companion, His name is Elder Gilmour, he is 21 yrs old. Before the mission he was trained as a HazMat in the Marine Corps. Really cool! He is from Missouri. Super quiet like me and we have just clicked! It has been a blast working together so far. I'm excited to hit it hard this next week. He has been four months out so basically I'm back up training him. His favorite treat is Reeses pieces or cookies and cream drops is what he said (I just asked him). Package just make sure to send this week so I have time to pack please!!!! Well I want to say I love you all and here is a scripture I want you all to think about Romans 8:1-4. 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. I love this scripture because through following Christ, we can be cleansed. I am so thankful for the gift that I can repent of my sins and that I can be cleansed through the blood of Christ. I want to say I love you all. Ao I atongi bwai ikai n aran Iesu Kristo, Amen. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki Bikenibeu 2 West
Later that night, we had a chance to have a quick email exchange: Mauri, I have a little more time for questions. Tell me about your P-day and new companion! Also, tell us more about the music competition you had last week. Well I don't know who my companion is at the moment but I will know on Wednesday at Zone Conference. Pday is great because I can talk to you all! Not a lot went on today as we chilled out at the house. The music competition was a lot of fun and I had a lot of fun getting to know members and really being able to talk to them all. And be able to get to know them and have them start to love me more. Were you asked to lead the music because of your ability to read more music? Or was it something else? I kind of volunteered and they just loved how I did so they kept me to do it. Know that with faith all is possible. That's awesome! I'm glad you got to share your talents! You are right about faith! It can move mountains. Tell me about the city you're in. Bikenibeu is awesome but it is small and really doesn't have everything, but the work is there - you have to work at it. When you say really small, do you mean area or population? How many people are near there? How many people are you teaching? Oh and do you baptize in the ocean here or is there a font? I would say 2000 at most and our area is smaller. We are teaching about 30 people with 14 investigators. Super fun! But it is stressful sometimes. We have both. The Stake has said to fill the font now and it is clean now. It wasn't before. Wow. What makes it stressful? When people don't want to make and keep commitments or when they don't repent. Everyone says Hi and they love you! You're teaching Seminary too?? So busy! Keep up the good work! Tell everyone I love them too!! I have about 10 minutes left. Good! I enjoyed seeing the pictures you shared. The worms still gross me out...but I know how much you like them. Haha! Tell me about the frozen chocolate milk in a bag...weird. It is an awesome cold drink but I do have to say that it is weird having to drink out of a bag. Do you just cut a corner and suck it out, or is it like a Capri sun? You literally take a bite out and suck on it . Crazy! I didn't think you would be able to find or get frozen stuff. I bet that's a nice change! Almost every island has it but I just barely sent the picture of it. I love you! I am so happy I got to visit with you tonight! Keep working hard, push through! You are doing great things!! Love you too. Mauri, It really is crazy how fast time flies as. I am approaching my last transfer here in Kiribati. This mission is a special mission. It is not like any other mission. If I were to describe half of the stuff that goes on it would be disturbing. Honestly I am excited to see all of you. But I am really excited that I have two more months to keep helping people come unto Christ. We should have more baptisms coming up this next month as investigators are making progress. I am also excited for this week as our stake is throwing a Song Festival. Where all the wards compete against each other. It will be awesome and it has been nice to lead them and to put those music skills to use. Needs: Space Saver Bags - yes, for clothes and other things. Pair of pants to come home in. My feet if you find 42 that size works the best - I don't know what size that is in US. If you would like to supply me with a little money for souvenirs I wouldn't argue. But if not I can get along without. As for a turtle shell, I wasn't planning on taking one home. I would encourage all of you to read from Hope of Israel by President Russell M Nelson. Such a great message! I know that we have a prophet for these days. I know that he leads and guides this church. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki Bikenibeu 2nd West. I got to hear from him later that night and he wanted to ask and answer some questions we exchanged via email. How are you doing? How's your health? I am just exhausted and have a head cold at the moment. It usually wakes me up at 1:00 AM and then have a hard time sleeping after. I have had it for two days now. I just wake up and I don't know what to do. But I do wake up with enough energy - just have a headache, runny nose and sore throat. I have also moved around a lot (in my sleep) more these past couple of days. It has been weird. Tell us more about your companion. What do you admire about him? What are his strengths? Elder Hansen loves to be right. He is 6'2", is very smart and has a fantastic memory! Tell us about your home. Beds or hammocks or floors? Are rats a big problem still? Our house imagine a run down house in America and you have it. One old fan that still runs and tile flooring. The five of us sleep in the same room on the floor. And yes, rats are a huge problem...ish. They have died down since we have had the cat. Do you get around by biking or walking? Are your other flat mates fun to be around? Biking!!! They are fun sometimes but frustrating because they break down once in a while (the bikes). I'm back with Elder Roberts which is awesome. I have to go. So I want to say I love you. Have fun! |
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. |