Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:35:33 +0700
Subject: 14 November 2011
From: bryan.todd@myldsmail.net
Hey family!
How are you all doing? I'm doing so great! Life is just fantastic right now! I hope you liked the pictures of me with the rice harvesting! It was super fun!
So this week was different than the past few weeks. But in a good way. We took a bus back from Bangkok on Monday night. We left at 10:00 PM and we got to Roi Et at 7:00 AM on Tuesday morning. It wasn't the best nights sleep on a bus, but it's not a big deal. We still got to do some good work. Ever since I got into country it's been tracting, tracting and more tracting. But this week things changed. President Hinckley said that tracting isn't the most effective way of missionary work. The most effective way is through the members of the church. Because when members give the missionaries referrals, that investigator has an immediate support system. They have a friend who they can turn to for support and ask questions. So, Elder Wagstaff came in and we talked about that. We have been focusing more on referrals, and less on going inviting. Its making a difference. We are having better lessons, and we are able to focus on the investigators that we have now. Its been really good. And the best thing is, that now that we are trying for referrals, they are coming! The more we are willing to help out the members, the more willing they are to help us.
Then on Friday Elder Wagstaff and I went up to Udorn Thani for Zone Conference/Mission Tour with Elder Gong from the Asia Area Presidency. It was good, There was a little training for Elder Wagstaff since he is a new district leader. While he was having his training I went on an exchange with Elder Sipperly. It was good. We did get one return appointment.
Then We had Zone Conference on Saturday. It was really cool. Elder Gong came and shook our hands, and asked where we were from. He got to me and said that he knew my family. We talked about Jennifer since she was in his Late Summer Honors class at BYU. He asked how she was. I was so proud to be able to say that she is finishing law school! He asked me to tell you all hello, he also came to me after the conference and asked me again to tell you hello. Those men truly are amazing! He talked to us about the Doctrine of Christ. Then we read through 3 Nephi 11 and looked for references to baptism. It was really good! He also did a question and answer session with us. That was really cool. Also D&C 50:22 about how, as a companionship, after teaching a lesson we should both be edified, along with the investigator.
This week, we have two more investigators with a baptismal date. First, Bupphaa, who we have been teaching since August. She has a goal for the 4th of December. Then last night we taught a first lesson to a boy named JoJo. He is a referral that is 10. We extended him the invitation to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authourity of God. He accepted! I was really happy that he decided to accept!
One bummer this week was my bike got a flat tire. I had to bike on this little green kids bike yesterday that was a members son's. Elder Wagstaff said it looked hilarious to see a big white guy on this tiny little bike. I'll try and get a picture. Then I also lost my planner. I never thought I would need a planner so badly! I love being able to plan every night, and to know what I am going to do each day. Mom, I hope that makes you happy!
Well things are great! I'm loving being with Elder Wagstaff. He is way good at Thai! and the work! I love you all, and hearing from you all. Be safe, and don't do anything stupid!
Love
ELder Todd
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