First of all,
Love you too mom - like a lot - I think of you every day and I couldn't do this without you! I think of you, dad, Kenz, Megs, Matt and Shae, and "If Ain't got You" is playing right this moment (as is was –phaw dii - last week just before we left the net cafe) which makes me think of my little Bevis [Anna] and Taylor and the rest of the family. OH and I got Kaiden's first letter in country! I circled it all up so I can write to him all the similar and different things I've seen too! Do you have his address? I'm glad Brayden's getting better - I've never met such a stick who is also a tank! And even the Thai press was covering the DNC [Democratic National Convention for those not politically-minded!] - I couldn't understand anybody, but there was our President (who I'm not the fondest of, but was so excited to see because right now, he represents our beautiful nation). Keep the faith and know our government's in the Lord's hands ;) I even met a German guy who when I said we're "Mormon" he automatically said "Oh, Mitt Rom ney, right?" So if a nice, drunk, German guy living in Thailand knows who we are, I'm sure many more people do. Keep up the faith. Keep holding up that ensign to the world!
So there was a lot that happened this week. I invited this guy playing a guitar by asking to play with him (I played and sang "Blackbird") and got a return appointment. When we returned, so did 5 of his friends - 6 new investigators in one lesson... fun! I also led my area as senior comp Friday with Elder Terry! We've also been finding a lot more people to teach through a really cool method (mom please send this to Bates! Give him some good ideas). I explained it to my Mission President:
Love you too mom - like a lot - I think of you every day and I couldn't do this without you! I think of you, dad, Kenz, Megs, Matt and Shae, and "If Ain't got You" is playing right this moment (as is was –phaw dii - last week just before we left the net cafe) which makes me think of my little Bevis [Anna] and Taylor and the rest of the family. OH and I got Kaiden's first letter in country! I circled it all up so I can write to him all the similar and different things I've seen too! Do you have his address? I'm glad Brayden's getting better - I've never met such a stick who is also a tank! And even the Thai press was covering the DNC [Democratic National Convention for those not politically-minded!] - I couldn't understand anybody, but there was our President (who I'm not the fondest of, but was so excited to see because right now, he represents our beautiful nation). Keep the faith and know our government's in the Lord's hands ;) I even met a German guy who when I said we're "Mormon" he automatically said "Oh, Mitt Rom ney, right?" So if a nice, drunk, German guy living in Thailand knows who we are, I'm sure many more people do. Keep up the faith. Keep holding up that ensign to the world!
So there was a lot that happened this week. I invited this guy playing a guitar by asking to play with him (I played and sang "Blackbird") and got a return appointment. When we returned, so did 5 of his friends - 6 new investigators in one lesson... fun! I also led my area as senior comp Friday with Elder Terry! We've also been finding a lot more people to teach through a really cool method (mom please send this to Bates! Give him some good ideas). I explained it to my Mission President:
"Just a few things to report. One, I guess I report on my switch-off this
week Elder Terry (maybe that's only for Sisters?) and it was super good even if
it was my first time being "Phee" or senior comp. We're on a low for investigators lately, so
we studied well and then went out to find the Lord's prepared. We did a couple
of inviting tactics. One, we had some fun by choosing each other's targets and
gave each other the topic to invite them. We yielded some good results as one
man said he had been "looking for Christ for many years now" (if I understood
right). The next tactic was one Elder Chamberlain introduced to us in a district mtg. He said in the past, he didn't feel as effective
inviting a neighborhood for 4 hours and almost got in one door, but lately he's
tried another way …
How it works is one Elder stands on the corner or off to the
side of a busy walkway and lifts up his voice using as PMG [Preach My Gospel] calls "Short, Powerful
Statements" - or he asks short statements that provoke one to "exquisite wonder" such as:
"If the true church of God was on the earth, would you like to be a member?"
"Would you like to know the purpose of this life?"
"Have you ever thought about where we're from or were we go after death?"
"If the true church of God was on the earth, would you like to be a member?"
"Would you like to know the purpose of this life?"
"Have you ever thought about where we're from or were we go after death?"
just to name a few examples...
Practicing these statements out loud before hand is ESSENTIAL. My first time wasn't so good because of that. But through this way, Elders Chamberlain and Terry now have three new investigators - one of which with a baptismal date - all within a week. We found many potentials too. But the interesting part Elder Chamberlain said is you never seem to find those who are prepared - they find YOU. That's exactly what happened to me too.
That's a lot of info, sorry, but faith is increasing in the earth through this method and I wanted to let you know. I've always wanted to be a missionary like Dan Jones - lifting up my voice to the people with my power and authority - and I'm getting closer to the faith he had for sure. There were many instances where the Spirit would guide me to say things, even brief sermons, if you will, and led me to do the Lord's will here in His power.
Also saw a spider about 5" diameter 6" from my face in the shower - thought that would be fun for you to know."
OK honestly, he probably gets bored in that office of his when he's not in Laos or something. Actually, I'll take that back - he's one of the hardest working, inspiring men I've met. This last month of August we had 77 baptisms (including 5 in Lao and 1 in Burma) - which is A LOT!! But he wants 100 this month. Please pray of sister Boo our investigator who has a son who's Siah's long-lost twin. In everything. Crazy. But she needs help for sure.
Thank you for all your prayers too. I Love you all and would encourage you to look for those that are prepared too - those who are prepared to receive your love. Contact a friend you haven't in a while, help a old lady across the street, write a missionary ;) or show some charity this week. Report through my mom - I love to hear your stories!
Love,
Elder Gibbons
