tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71841127546172977112024-02-19T18:49:09.528+10:00Elder Danien BerendsCalled to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Kiribati island nation Sept 2015 - Aug 2017
Currently serving on the island of Abaiang.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-83368065455589556882017-08-02T09:00:00.003+10:002017-08-02T09:00:38.469+10:00Week 98 - Betio 1st, Tarawa (Companion: Elder Sheffield)<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
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I'm sorry but I just got a computer right now, and it's time to go home and teach some lessons, but i'll let you know the work here is amazing, we should be getting a new investigator tonight, we have so much work right now. I'll see you in 3 weeks."</div>
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And that was all I got this week, although he did send emails to his bother Rhys who received his mission call last Monday. Rhys has been assigned to labour in the Korea Seoul mission, reporting to the MTC Provo on 31st October 2017. Elder Berends leaves Tarawa on 21 August and gets home 22 August 2017. We will have two and a bit months all together.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-73244481687230495492017-08-02T08:54:00.001+10:002017-08-02T08:54:52.440+10:00Week 97 - Betio 1st, Tarawa (Companion: Elder Sheffield)<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Not much in the email this week ... he is certainly starting to feel the separation from the Kiribati people already.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">"My week is great, had another baptism on Saturday, Nei Tekai. We have so many teaching appointments, I'm working with Elder Sheffield. Pdays are for visiting recent converts in my old area. Work here is going great, I'm glad I'm finishing this way. And I'm so excited to hear about Rhys's calling.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-35542371032848850802017-08-02T08:51:00.001+10:002017-08-02T08:51:22.182+10:00Week 96 - Betio 1st, Tarawa (Companion: Elder Sheffield)<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Oi,</span><br />
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What's up? This weeks been great. There are some changes in Betio, since Elder Kitchens leaving there was a transfer that went down. Elder Tiakia is now with Elder Sagapolu and I'm with Elder Sheffield (from Utah). He's actually a missionary from Marshall Islands but moved over to this side of the mission 3 months ago. </div>
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It was really sad watching Elder Kitchens leaving, it was hard for him. </div>
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Lots of work here in Betio, keeping myself busy. Still struggling with the ward but little by little. We did finally get a new Ward Mission Leader, he's awsome, just moved from Temaiku. I'm excited to work with him. </div>
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I'm sorry, losing the desire to email, but don't worry, I've been keeping my journal up to date. I'll tell you all about it in 5 weeks. </div>
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Vaughan!! Happy birthday, it's Independence day here in Kiribati, so we've been celebrating over here as well. </div>
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Love you all. I have 1 bubuti... please don't make a banner for when I get home. </div>
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Elder Berends </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-54218979949008917392017-08-02T08:47:00.001+10:002017-08-02T08:47:13.665+10:00Week 94 - Betio 1st, Tarawa (Companion: Elder Taylor)<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Hey family,</div>
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So I'm super relieved that BYU-H application is over and done with, now I can get right back to work here in Betio 1st. The new ward is going fairly well, there is so much work here except the ward has a similar problem to Betio 3rd ward, little support for missionary work. We still haven't got a ward mission leader and its been 4 weeks now! As for the work, it is awesome, I'm hoping to have baptisms lined up for the next 7 Saturdays starting from 1st of July. </div>
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So we had a baptism on the 1st of July, Harriet a 15 year old boy who is a student at Moroni High School. This coming Saturday we'll have 2 of our people baptized, Nei Meere (who is also a student at Moroni, and her Dad was a Branch President in an outer island) and Nei Uente (21yrs). </div>
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So Nei Uente has had lessons a long time ago but was never baptized because of her family being very strong Catholic's, mainly her mother (father is absolutely fine with it, he's actually had lessons as well). We picked her up over a month ago and she was happy to listen again, but a couple of weeks ago she got in to a fight with her mother and was forbidden to take lessons with us again. she came to the house to tell us what happened, it was pretty disappointing. </div>
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However, that same day she then heard from people that her real Mother and twin brother who she hadn't seen for years had just arrived in Betio from Maiana. She went to go visit them and told them what had happened between her and her step mother, when her real mother and twin brother heard they started to laugh... It turns out that her mother and twin brother had just join the church only months before in Maiana! So Nei Uente that night came to the chapel to tell what happened and said she's now determined to continue her lessons and be baptized. It was definitely an answers to prayers.</div>
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In weeks to come we have others lined up for baptism, Taareti, Tooreti, Tekai, Ueatau, Rutia and many other new investigators. We also have some couples that we are working on, Baiteke and Nei Bunterenga. We just have to get them married and finish their lessons. Tiiu and Nei Jiji is another couple, Nei Jiji just gave birth to a baby girl last week so we haven't had a chance to teach them for a while but we visited them in the hospital. Also have 2 other couples we literally started teaching this week we'll see how they go. </div>
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So yeah, plenty of work to keep me busy.</div>
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Other news is we moved house. We moved from the Betio 3rd chapel house to a huge brick house that is closer to our area. It's a house that the mission has just started renting so we get to break it in. Funny thing is it's bigger than our house in Brisbane (67 Galsworthy) with 3 huge rooms and an even bigger living room. It has 3 queen size beds and 2 normal beds, all of which we do not use. We all just sleep on the living room floor. It's still us 4 elders working in Betio, Elders Kitchen, Tiakia, Taylor and I but Kitchens is leaving next week for America so there'll be a change soon. </div>
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Alright, I think that's it.</div>
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Love Elder Berends</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-80788969020742543612017-08-02T08:37:00.004+10:002017-08-02T08:38:14.539+10:00Week 91 - Betio 1st, Tarawa (Companion: Elder Taylor)<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">Hey fams,</span><br />
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It was funny hearing about Dad's and Rhys's hunting trip, also a bit worried about Mum's trip to the hospital but I'm glad everything is fine. And Vaughan... I love you too. </div>
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Things have been good this week, Its been a little bit of a struggle since we are new to the ward, not yet familiar with people, however, having dinner with families will help out there. Currently we have very few investigators, so we have been doing a lot of tracting. </div>
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We had some great success in this one house. We were originally going to teach just this one couple, Ten Jihu and Nei Jiji. We introduced our selves, explained a little of what we do as missionaries, l opened in prayer and started teaching. As we just got started teaching we had two girls walk up to the house with one saying "This girl wants to take lessons". The other was a less active member. So I was like "No problem". I thought it was important before we continued the lesson we already had going with Jihu and Jiji, that we introduce ourselves to the the new comer, who's name was Nei Bunterenga. After introductions we were about to continue the lesson when the less active girl comes back with another guy who wants to listen to the lesson, so for the third time we introduced our selves and finally got on with the lesson. We all got on well with each other and they invited us back for lessons as well as dinner on Tuesday night. It was sweet, and they're all couples and that's what we want. </div>
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So yeah, that's how the work is right now, it's not hard finding people who are happy to listen, the only problem is finding people who want to investigate . Just wish we received more referrals from members, which is tough since we don't know the members yet. Little by little.</div>
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So i'll see what I can do about Grandad's birthday thing, i'll send it next week. A'ight, love ya'lls</div>
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Elder Berends</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-70857067841550099132017-08-02T08:32:00.001+10:002017-08-02T08:32:20.349+10:00Week 90 - Betio 1st, Tarawa (Companion: Elder Taylor)<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Hey,</span><br />
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So there's changes in Betio right now, Betio 3rd right now has no missionaries and Elder Taylor and I have been moved to Betio 1st ward and we are 'white washing' (both of us are new to the area). I wasn't very happy about that but there are reasons ... I'm not going to be trunky. We don't sing "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord" for nothing, and as usual I'll fall in love with my new area, just got to get through the first few weeks of not knowing anybody. </div>
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The work here is great, we have plenty of investigators .... </div>
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So yesterday was the first time at church in our new ward, Betio 1st, it was fast and testimony meeting so it was a perfect opportunity to introduce myself. After church was ward council which gave me some confidence in the ward and the bishopric. I actually mentioned one of our investigators, Kiaiai (who's 69yrs old) in our meeting and Bishop along with 2 other priesthood leaders offered to come with us and visit him that afternoon. It was a great lesson! I'm excited for what there is to come. </div>
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So that's the update of what's going on in Betio. I'm so happy to hear that Rhys has his papers in, so stoked man! The mission will teach you a lot. </div>
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School stuff... I've prayed about it and I don't think a film course is what I should do, so my only idea is business, and BYU Hawaii sounds sick. An interesting place with plently of opportunities to make some sweet films for fun. So the dream is studying business or something else at BYU Hawaii. I don't really need anything right now in parcel thanks. </div>
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That's all,</div>
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Elder Berends</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-71297830448236246892017-05-27T17:28:00.002+10:002017-05-27T17:33:41.225+10:00Week 88 - Betio 3rd ward, Tarawa (Companion: Elder Taylor)<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Hey,</span><br />
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So time is flying and it is ridiculous and scary. Anyways, I've had a good week in Betio, as usual, I have fallen in love with my new area and it looks like that i'll be here till I have a very special transfer... transfer to Brisbane. We got lots of new investigators this week, there is so many people in Betio. </div>
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Highlight of this week was the Area Conference we had on Sunday. We just found out about it on Thursday and there were rumors going around, (that we totally believed) that it was an "emergency" world wide conference. We heard from other missionaries that the apostles had been sent around the world to deliver a message but we had no idea what the message was. Everyone from Kiribati thought it had to do with the "war" between America and North Korea but all the missionaries knew there was no war so we thought it was either the Prophet had passed away or it was the call to Zion. Turns out it was neither and just a pacific area conference. It's pretty funny what kind of rumors can go around this country. </div>
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We watched the area conference on video at the stake center. It was great to see everyone from my old ward again. Tiaon and Aabi are still going strong. Also bumped into this couple that were reactivated in Teaoraereke, Kaong and Nei Aribeta. They had just adopted a baby boy who is 3 months old and they named him Berends! It's scary having someone named after you, the pressure of keeping that name respected, but super happy as well, they are so strong in the church now and Kaong is now the ward clerk! </div>
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So my new campanion is Elder Taylor and he is from Minnesota, USA, he's been out for 8 months now. </div>
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And that's awsome Rhys! Papers are in. I hope you are all happy and healthy. </div>
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love Elder Berends<br />
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baby Berends</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-70033558612888291512017-05-01T08:44:00.004+10:002017-05-01T08:44:47.303+10:00Week 85 - Betio 3rd ward, Tarawa (Companion: Elder Taylor)<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Hello,</span><br style="color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;" /><br style="color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">I am in Tarawa now, so I was told Thursday night, the day before my flight, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">that I would not be returning to Abaiang after Stake Conference. Was not happy. But anyways.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">To soften the blow of leaving Abaiang I was welcomed by my new ward in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Betio 3rd. It was almost like I had already worked in that ward </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">before. And what cheered me up even more was being able to see </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">everyone from my old ward in Teaoraereke 2nd during the stake </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">conference we had on Sunday. Tiaon received the Melc. priesthood! It</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">was great to see Tiaon and Aabi's family again, one of their children, E</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">eri, snuck up behind me and said "Elder Berends, ko roko ningai?!" (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">when did you arrive?) I also saw many others recent converts, Nei </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Tebwebwe, Nei Maggie. Other Recent converts received the priesthood, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">who I didn't get to see baptized. It was a great Stake Conference.</span><br style="color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">However, very sad to have left Abaiang with out getting a chance to say </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">goodbye. All good though, there is a reason for it. Anyways, that's all for </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">now, next week I'll try send photo's, I forgot to bring the sd card </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">adapter.</span><br style="color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;" /><br style="color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Love you's</span><br style="color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;" /><br style="color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Elder Berends</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-4896698284678012842017-05-01T08:38:00.000+10:002017-05-01T08:38:11.192+10:00Week 84 - Abaiang (Companion: Elder Sagara)<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Hey, </span><br />
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Sorry I didn't email for the last 2 weeks, the week before the phone we were using ran out of data and last week we had a service day all day.<br />
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Anyways, it's been a good 2 weeks. 2 Mondays ago we had one of our investigators married in Tabontebike (end of the beach), Kiraua and nei Meeriin (our investigator). It was a good marraige, and the week after on Saturday she was baptized. Meeriin was actually a KPC minister back in the day which came as a surprise to me for how well she accepted the restored Gospel.<br />
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We also had Easter, definitely felt more obliged than usual to bear witness of the Savior at all times, all places and all things. The Tuarabu branch hired a truck and had church at the Borotiam unit maneaba on Easter Sunday so that was fun.<br />
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So I have sad news... I'm getting transfered D: so apparently it's not for a while but the APS called me on Tuesday to tell me I was coming in, which we already knew as stake conference is coming up. I asked them if I was coming back to Abaiang and they said no, so I assumed that when I come in for conference I would just stay in Tarawa. So I let members know and they started preparing a going away party, however, zone leaders gave us more info this morning and its true that I'm transferring but not for a while and I will return to Abaiang after conference, so that's awkward. Anyways, I'll be transferring to Betio and will be working with an Elder Taylor.<br />
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Kind of disapointed that I'll be back in Tarawa, was really hoping I would stay longer on an outer island, whether it is Abaiang or another island. But it's all good, I already know the Betio 3rd ward a little from my time as zone leader, it's a fun ward.</div>
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Love Elder Berends. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-54468916291227926582017-04-13T14:11:00.001+10:002017-04-13T14:11:13.174+10:00Week 81 - Abaiang ( Companion: Elder Sagara)<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Hey,</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">So yeah, we are still hiring a motorbike every Sunday, and yes we are not authorized, but our mission president is trying so hard to authorize it, I've talked with him about it, he knows the struggle of having such a long island and only 2 missionaries. But maybe something that we shouldn't post on the blog. (Oops).</span><br />
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New skills... Roofing a house with pandanus leaves, making the platform of a buia from the hard middle part of the coconut fern and tying it with cord made from coconut husks, just a bunch little stuff like that. </div>
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I suck at dancing, but I really do love Kiribati dancing and have yet to devote anytime to learning, I know some songs though so I'm half way there, just gotta learn the moves. </div>
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This week we've had some new investigators so we've been teaching a lot about Godhead, Prayer, the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. </div>
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There was also a huge bootaki (party) this Saturday, 50th anniversary of the Abaiang Island council. On Wednesday we received an invitation, and at first I was reluctant about going, bootaki's like these last the whole day and we had lessons planned. However, after talking to members about this they were saying how significant this is for the church here in Abaiang. In the past members of the church have been segregated and left out of village councils and day to day life in general and at big parties like these only Catholic and Protestant missionaries would be invited as special guests. But now that is beginning to change, us being invited as special guests to this party being evidence. So we showed up at the party, sat amongst all the other missionaries as well as government officials, had another chance to shake the hand of the President of Kiribati. There was a march, all the schools on Abaiang participated, there was a lot food and at about 3 pm we snuck out to teach our lessons, it was a good day. </div>
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Stuff to in my parcel.... Easter eggs, like the one that's gooey inside. And whatever else you feel like. We have everything we need here.</div>
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A'ight that's all folks</div>
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Love Elder Berends. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-12915117256066685432017-03-27T21:02:00.002+10:002017-03-27T21:02:16.740+10:00Week 80 - Abaiang (Companion: Elder Sagara)<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Hey the fams </span><br />
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Everything is going well here, we are busy. It's great to get to know everyone else on the southern part of Abaiang, we've made some really great friends. We also had a baptism last Saturday, nei Kaeaki, she's 36 yrs old and she has 6 children, 3 of which live with her. It was a lovely baptism and something she was very excited for. We aslo have some other baptisms coming in April. Also we have some success in the most southern village. When we first got there only 5-10 were coming to church but in the week that just went we had 25 attend. </div>
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Sorry this is another short email, we have a lot of things happening on pdays, like fishing with members, service, and other fun stuff, we have a lot members from one end of the island to the other wanting us to do stuff with them. </div>
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I tried doing something about school but I couldn't even set up an account to get started, the phone would just freeze. </div>
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Aight love y'all</div>
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Elder Berends </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-74376006638171041082017-03-27T07:59:00.000+10:002017-03-27T07:59:25.118+10:00Week 78 - Abaiang (Companion: Elder Sagara)<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Hey </span><br />
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So about school stuff... I really gotaa do something about it. And yeah, I am thinking the BYU is the best option if I'm going to do film. So help a brotha\son out and let me know what I need to do, it kinda hard trying to do it all on a little mobile phone in abaiang like this. But I'm gonna do as much as I can from here. </div>
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Anyways, the baptism was so good! Koriri, our recent convert from December did the baptism, he did an excellent job, hopefully we can get him on a mission. Katakua and tekaete were baptized 4th March Saturday afternoon just as the sun was setting. It was beautiful. They both bore testimony at the baptismal service and even the fast and testimony meeting the following day. In their testimonies they shared that they had never felt so close to their heavenly father before. They also shared their goals of going to the temple. So yeah that went really well. </div>
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Just a short email this week, gonna get started with school stuff. </div>
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Love Elder Berends</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-37311020616029124362017-03-27T07:54:00.002+10:002017-03-27T07:54:49.517+10:00Week 76 - Abaiang (Companion: Elder Sagara)<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Soooo...</span><br />
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Things are great here in abaiang, it is a lot of bike riding but I have accepted it as karma for having a car for the first 12+ months of my mission. We only have time to visit the most southern and most northern villages of abaiang once a week. And then every other village in between we have time to visit twice a week. Its been good fun and yes I have been feeling pretty fit lately. </div>
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This Sunday we actually hired a motorbike because of how long the road is between the 3 places we do church at. Last Sunday we left our house at 9am and didn't get back until 6pm from doing church. So this week we just decided that we were going to motorbike to save time. </div>
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However, when the bike came it turned out that Elder Sagara had no idea how to ride a motorbike with a clutch. So because I had experience driving a manual car, the responsiblity of riding the bike was handed to me. After a few sketchy starts I'd taught my self to ride a motorbike. So I'll have to get both a manual car and motorbike licence when I get back. Anyways, it was really helpful having the motorbike, we even had time to teach after doing church. </div>
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We also have some awesome investigators right now, 2 of which just got married on Saturday and should be baptized on the 4 of March. Their names are Katakua and Tekaete. They're a younger couple (23&26) and Tekaete is actually pregnant and is expected to give birth in the coming weeks! So the Baptism my be interrupted. They are so sweet and have a goal to be sealed in the temple. And they travel the furthest to church out of any other member from the unit I Borotiam. They are so faithful. </div>
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We have many other great couples that we are teaching, Tawita and Taakeuea being one of these. Elder Anderson and I tracted them a while a go and they are really investigating, they had so many questions about the book of mormon. We also have a lot if fun with them and their 2 young children. They've invited us to have dinner with them this Thursday which we are very excited about. But we'll have to pray hard for them because Taakeuea has a calling in the KUC (Kiribati united church) and they live right next to the KUC chapel, it will be tough for them. </div>
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Anyways that's it from us. We are healthy and having fun.</div>
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Love Elder Berends</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-32778339627365930402017-02-15T19:48:00.000+10:002017-02-15T19:49:21.563+10:00Week 74 - Abaiang (Companion: Elder Sagara)<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;">Hey </span><br />
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Sounds like everyone is healthy apart from dying of heat. Rhys looks so old, and I see that Vaughan's feet are big enough to fit in dads shoes! Are all the boys officially taller than Mum and Dad? </div>
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So lots of questions about the minister and how the relationships between religions are going. I'm sad to say that our minister in our village just has too much of an ego. We passed him twice while biking and he completely ignored us. I'm still going to try, but I'm realising its going to take a lot more than just trying to work with other leaders of churches. It will be through small and simple acts. </div>
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So latley I've found a new appreciation for tracting. Before I just saw it as trying to get new investigators and even if they let us share our message but didn't accept a return appointment I felt that it was a waste of time. But now I see tracting as something more, as an opportunity to correct misunderstandings about the church of Jesus Christ, to bare witness of our Saviour and to leave the spirit in their homes. Even if we don't get a return appointment I feel as though we have accomplished something towards bettering this society. </div>
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For example just the other day we tracted this old lady and asked her if she was happy to listen to a message about Jesus Christ. The first thing she said was "bwa ngai kain te kamatu" (but I'm from the Protestant church). So I told her that's fine and that we just wanted to share a message about Jesus Christ, and so we did. We taught about the Godhead, emphasizing the divinity of the Saviour, Jesus Christ and encouraged her to pray to her Father in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ everyday. Even though she wasn't interested in continuing lessons with us, she was very thankful for our message and we knew the spirit was present. </div>
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Actually, right before we left we noticed that the platform of her buia has very old and had holes in it. So we told her that we'd come with a lot of baa (the hard middle part of the coconut leaf) to replace the old. She laughed because apparently seeing white missionaries do Kiribati work like "raeba" is funny. But the next morning we went into the bush with some youth to gather baa for her buia. It was good fun. </div>
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Anyways some news.. big changes here on Abaiang, transfers happened calling my son (Elder Anderson) to a different place, as well as one of the Elders (Elder Hilliard) working on the southern part of Abaiang, leaving Elder Sagara (kain Papua New Guinea) I to work the whole island. We have a lot of work now, Abaiang is a long island and we have investigators going from the most northern village to the most southern village. Lots of bike riding on dusty roads. I used to be able to wear the same white shirts 2 days in a row with out it getting too dirty. But now we just look horrid by the end of the day. It's good fun though, Elder Sagara is a lot of fun to work with and I'm grateful for the chance to meet people from the other half of the island. </div>
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So yeah that about it, loving it here. </div>
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Love y'all </div>
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Elder Berends</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-31996303184709152902017-01-30T15:55:00.000+10:002017-02-08T15:59:11.439+10:00Week 72 - Abaiang (Companion: Elder Anderson)<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Email Dated January 30, 2017</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">So what's up.... holidays over and its back to school, that's fun.... And happy Australia day, I completely forgot about it until now. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So life out here is chill, so quite a bit of stuff happened since I last wrote. We have some families that we are teaching they are so sweet. Also living with members is such a blessing to experience, you just become apart of the family. Tebukei and Kaboterenga and their children (the family we live with) give their kamauri nakoimi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Elder Anderson is doing well, has had some nasty looking boils but is healthy again, we actually were in Tarawa this week from Wednesday to Saturday so Elder Anderson could meet with President Larkin. We stayed with the east zone leaders who are Elders Ellis and Powell who both are MTC buddies. Super sweet working with them and seeing how much each of us has grown since the MTC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Back on Abaiang we are trying our best to make a difference, so let me explain. So here on Abaiang there is a lot of religious persecution and I don't like it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Catholic father teaches that talking to missionaries is a sin... Helping someone from another church is a sin... He teaches that Mormon missionaries are Wolves, referencing Matthew <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144466583" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:15</span></span>. People while we are riding bikes howl at us and call us Wolves. Even little children. People who leave another church to become a member of the LDS church are made fun of and are known as being weak and poor not being able to handle the Catholic or protestant form of tithing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Right now I feel that religion here in Kiribati is not fulfilling its true purpose which is to perfect the saints but instead is introducing intolerance and prejudice among its people. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Most church's here are Christian and believe in the teachings of Christ, the Christ who emulates the meaning of love and charity, however, they seem to fail to live these teachings. Even within the LDS church I have seen this problem. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">So we felt that we as members\missionaries of the church of Jesus Christ we should be an example of what it means to be christian. So we decided to visit the minister of the Protestant church to address the problem of intolerance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">So we met with him and explained that we had an idea to do a combined service project, Mormons and Protestants, so that we could create friendships between people of different faiths. Also had an idea to provide pictures of the Savior for everyone to hang up in their house as a reminder of what it means to be Christian. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At first he was very hostile asking why we were really there and who sent us. But we cleared everything up and he said he would cooperate. He did express to us that he was unhappy with us visiting his "sheep" even naming particular individuals. However, its a good start in getting rid of this segregation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just hope that we can all remember that love for god and love for our neighbor's is the highest law (Matthew 22:36-40) (Moroni 7:46-48). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So yeah that's what's going down... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Elder Berends. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-57048233216564257392017-01-09T11:35:00.001+10:002017-01-09T11:35:22.185+10:00Week 69 - Abaiang (Companion: Elder Anderson)<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Email date: 9/1/2017</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So a lot has happened since the Skype call, and by the sounds of it you're getting updated by the Kiribati Mommas. I'm sorry I didn't email or send pictures while in Tarawa. But with 90 other missionaries wanting to do the same thing its hard to find a computer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you have already heard, we had a huge Christmas lunch, it was so good to so see all the missionaries I hadn't seen in a while. Thanks for the Christmas parcel, this gorilla pod is so sick, the ball head really helps when shooting long exposures, its a lot easier now to get level shots. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And all the missionaries back on Tarawa are way thankful for the white shirts. I just took a handful back to Abaiang and left the rest in Tarawa, that's where it's needed most. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You have also heard that we spent new years eve with the President of Kiribati, Taneti Mwamwau. It was a really fun evening, saw some of the best Kiribati dancing I've seen so far, gave me goose bumps. On Christmas evening Taneti Mwamwau also attended the Christmas devotional which was shown in Moroni high school. He also went to the fireside with President Halek on new years day! I have a feeling he's investigating the church. So yeah very exciting times for the church here in Kiribati. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The highlight of out week in Tarawa was seeing all the recent converts, soon to be baptized investigators and members from my old ward in Teaoraereke 2nd. I was so thankful for that opportunity to work in my old area again. However, by the end of it all I was so ready to come back to Abaiang. We are right back on our feet here. All the Christmas and new year celebrations are over so everyone's back home and we are getting plenty of lessons, a lot of our investigators stayed solid during our time in Tarawa so we are hoping for a couple of baptisms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One crazy thing that happened over the past two weeks was an encounter with ministers from another church. So on boxing day, Elder Emor and I went to Betio to look for a lady. This lady is the ex wife of a member from Abaiang, we needed a letter from her so they can get divorced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We found her at a school (she's a school teacher) and we explained what we needed. She told us to go sit with these 4 other white people (not sure what they were doing) while we waited for her to write the letter. So Elder Emor and I introduce our selves to these 3 white men and 1 white woman, all from Australia. We sit down with them just expecting to chat about Australian stuff. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But nah, as soon as we sat down they pounced. It turns out they were all from a church called the "rivival fellowship". They showed us a video of miracles and baptism's being done in PNG. They made an argument that their church is true by miracles, they also said some pretty ignorant stuff about the "Mormon" church. They even argued that our doctrine was wrong because we "don't baptize by immursion"... I tried explaining the we share the same belief and I tried to correct their misconceptions but every time I opened my mouth I was cut of by more intolerance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Elder Emor wasn't completely clear of what was going on so I started explaining to him in Kiribati. While explaining to Elder Emor one of the men started mocking us and called us puppets. They just kept going until they stood up and left. One of the men, while walking a way quoted john 3:5 to us and told us we weren't going to heaven unless we were baptized by water and spirit... *face palm* </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So yeah anyway wasn't a pleasant experience, but 30 minutes later, by chance or by gods desire I came across a pamphlet done by their church with an email belonging to one of the men. So I decided to write an email to him... "Email Below". Thanks to sister Lee doing some major proof reading it turned out really good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So yeah that's it for this week </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love y'all s</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Elder Berends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My name is Elder Danien Berends and I am a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am not sure if you recall but my companion Elder Emor and I, met with you and three of your associates on Monday 26<sup>th</sup> December 2016. During this time we were presented with some of the doctrines of your faith as well as some of the perceived errors of our own faith. During our time together I saw that there were some misunderstandings on your end surrounding some of the doctrine of our faith that was discussed. As I was not given an opportunity to correct these I feel that it is my duty as an authorized representative of Jesus Christ to do so now.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In this letter I have included the Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These articles are thirteen statements of the core beliefs of the Church. They are located at the end of this letter however I will refer to these articles throughout.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>During the presentation of the video of miracles, one of your associates made a statement implying that the Revival Fellowship Church is true by miracles. I do not deny that you have most likely seen miracles within your church and within your own life. However I feel that it is inaccurate to state that a church is true simply by miracles alone. I myself have seen many great and sacred miracles within my own life and within the church to which I belong. As stated by the Saviour, Jesus Christ, miracles come by faith (Matthew <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_63927412" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">17:20</span></span>) and not explicitly to any one church or specific group of people.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This same associate also posed a question which concerned me somewhat. He asked if there was one church with miracles and one without, which would a person choose to go to. Is this not asking one to look for a sign as was counseled against by the Saviour Jesus Christ? (Matthew 12:38-39). He then instructed us to “make the business decision” in identifying the true church, implying that receiving a testimony of truth can occur by some calculated method. However I believe that receiving a testimony of truth is not a “business decision”. It can only come through the power of the Spirit of God, as it did for Christ’s chief apostle Peter – “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_63927413" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">16:17</span></span>). I myself have received a spiritual witness of the divinity of the Saviour Jesus Christ and His Restored Church, through the power of the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Furthermore a statement was made concerning our belief in the nature of God and in His works. A reference was made to the “Mormon God” and how He performs no miracles. I would like to draw your attention to the first Article of Faith which is: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” We indeed believe in God and believe that He does perform miracles to His children today, as He did in the past. Is this not the same God? For He is my Father and your Father; He is my God and your God.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>There were also statements made showing misunderstandings about our belief in the Holy Bible and in the Book of Mormon. I would like to refer you to the eighth Article of Faith: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” I believe both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are testaments of our Saviour Jesus Christ. I also believe with all of my heart that if we read and ponder the teachings from both sacred and holy books, we will gain a fuller understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>One of the main points of discussion was regarding the correct method of baptism. Had I been given an opportunity to speak I might have explained that in fact we share the same beliefs – “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5). The fourth Article of Faith states: “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” I myself have been baptized by full immersion by someone holding the Priesthood authority of God, following the example of the Saviour Jesus Christ, and have afterwards received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>It was also mentioned that one of the signs following baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost was being able to “speak with new tongues” (Mark <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_63927414" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">16:17</span></span>). Previously, at the time of our discussion I did not have a full understanding of what it meant to “speak with new tongues”. It might interest to know that I am only 20 years of age. I do not have and never will have a perfect knowledge of all of Christ’s doctrine. However I know that through study of the Holy Scriptures and through faith I can increase my understanding line upon line, precept upon precept. After further studies and discussions with others I now know that to “speak with new tongues” is a sacred sign from God. I have yet to witness this sign but I know that it is witnessed by many if it be God’s desire. Please also refer to the seventh Article of Faith.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lastly, I would like to share with you a passage of scripture from Paul’s epistle to the people of Galatia. If we as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ are preaching His Gospel, we must bear fruits of His Spirit – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23). During the time that we met with you and your associates I felt that there could have been more effort in reflecting these attributes. I was saddened at some of the ignorant and sometimes immature comments that were made. In particular the mocking and being called “puppets” was degrading and unappreciated. I feel that if we can all learn from the direction of the apostle Paul in Galatians <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_63927415" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5:26</span></span> – “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My hope in writing this letter is to clarify some misunderstandings surrounding points in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is also my sincere hope that we may both grow in our tolerance of other faiths, understanding that we are not each other’s enemies, but rather are enemies of sin. In the eleventh Article of Faith it states: “We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Thank you for all that you do as a Christian organization. I am not fully aware of what your church does amongst communities or various other doctrine taught within your church but I am sure that it is all for the perfecting of the saints as directed in Ephesians <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_63927416" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">4:12</span></span>. I wish you all the very best. If you would like to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints feel free to visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mormon.org&source=gmail&ust=1484011552562000&usg=AFQjCNE7XfGaRYMbZ_Vq2jSGFMoEnw7wpg" href="http://mormon.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a> or <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://lds.org&source=gmail&ust=1484011552562000&usg=AFQjCNF5YSymazQCybzO6nPGKozFmqNXlA" href="http://lds.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">lds.org</a> at your discretion. I would also be more than willing to respond to any further questions that you may have.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>With regards,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Elder Danien Berends</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_2"> </a>2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_3"> </a>3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_4"> </a>4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_5"> </a>5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_6"> </a>6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_7"> </a>7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_8"> </a>8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_9"> </a>9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_10"> </a>10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_11"> </a>11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_12"> </a>12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-6528370421522112085_m_5374221074293758437_m_-7460449150534550924_13"> </a>13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-60112799188338323052016-12-05T18:11:00.001+10:002016-12-05T18:21:14.887+10:00Week 64 - Abaiang (Companion: Elder Anderson)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUP46kPVaVhrQfHJjC5o1bjfkOGI839yoXLReeJ91iLpzC90gyatWEi1XdwCYAjixvB9lYo7oKNfrIr-Xt0DRAe84XNArAvm-akSc-K1TQhVx6p-BPQnunM9Nq2AVW_vQKdcyf0FFZydY/s1600/F1010005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUP46kPVaVhrQfHJjC5o1bjfkOGI839yoXLReeJ91iLpzC90gyatWEi1XdwCYAjixvB9lYo7oKNfrIr-Xt0DRAe84XNArAvm-akSc-K1TQhVx6p-BPQnunM9Nq2AVW_vQKdcyf0FFZydY/s320/F1010005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Grant & Berends back on Tarawa</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So there is no internet here in Abaiang, just 3G internet for phones, so I'm borrowing a members phone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, a lot has happened over there in Brisbane... Dad you old fart hahah. I'll be praying for you. And Rhys has just graduated high school out of no where. That's crazy! Was not expecting any of that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over here on this side of the planet there has be changes. Its been 3 weeks now in Abaiang. I'm training my son, Elder Anderson, he's from Utah and he is the man. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Abaiang is a very long island so lots of bike riding. We are white washing here, our area hasn't had elders for 6 months, so thats been a challenge. Also the church in our part of the island isn't that strong, we have unit leader do church for about 30 members in a village called Borotiam. Other than that we do church in 2 other villages that are just to far away for members and investigators to come to Borotiam. So the work is a lot more unconventional, however we should have some baptism on the 17th December before we go back to Tarawa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the way, don't know if you've heard. All missionaries are being brought to Tarawa for Christmas time. I'm going to be away from my area for 10 days. 81missionaries then 10 more coming. There will be 91 missionaries in Tarawa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anyways loving it here, I did get what I've always been hoping for, raised stick house, sleeping on the floor, its a way sick house. When I'm in Tarawa I'll send pictures. We have sweet members we actually live with the unit leader so we are well looked after. Unit leaders wife, Kaboterenga hand washes our clothes for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also our last baptism in Tarawa went so well! I wrote all about Tiaon and Abi's baptism in my journal so I'll be able to tell y'all about it another time but it was one of the most spiritual experience of my mission so far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Aight, thats it love you all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Elder Berends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(All pictures are from my 35mm camera taken back on Tarawa, film sent </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">home with Elder Grant who had them developed back in Australia and sent me a link).</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Schoeny & Osborne</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0rFOS7tAEdqRccixX4kjHFyrNRu12fwKaIOapLXtfDqIdfTCCnUXPqnXadw6GrTJ5ChA3POx93S6u7SouBOpIdfq3EkYHEAjK2emC3WK0I0Inl1XsuGmw00ZumG1Ikzv1AtN8FblcAEx/s1600/F1000024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0rFOS7tAEdqRccixX4kjHFyrNRu12fwKaIOapLXtfDqIdfTCCnUXPqnXadw6GrTJ5ChA3POx93S6u7SouBOpIdfq3EkYHEAjK2emC3WK0I0Inl1XsuGmw00ZumG1Ikzv1AtN8FblcAEx/s320/F1000024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Emor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Parry</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-17935688973586865002016-11-14T08:17:00.000+10:002016-12-02T06:11:12.639+10:00Week 61 - Tarawa, Teaoraereke (Elder Parry)<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">hello</span><br />
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This week's been great, had some memorable moments.</div>
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Way stoked to hear that Joseph and Boyd received the the <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Melchizedek Priesthood, it's such a blessing for a family and I have learnt that more being here. </span></div>
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I'm transferring :( to Abaiang on the 20th of November. I'll be district leader out there and the district consists of Elders Naurer, Hilliard, my kid (I'll be training) and I. It is an outer island, however is the closest island to Tarawa. The church is somewhat strong, they have 2 small branches. I really want an island that is just you and your companion and a challenging church unit.... but not my will, Gods will. I know I'm still going to love it out there. </div>
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Maritaake (Teiou's brother) got baptized this week, she is 20yrs old and another girl who is way too ready for baptism, she was a Moroni High school student. The baptism I'm really looking forward to is Tiaon and Aabi's baptism on the 19th (so lucky I get to witness it). </div>
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On the Saturday we had such a great lesson with them, the whole family sat in, Tiaon, Nei Aabi, Nei Alma (15yrs, what are the chances they named their daughter that!), Tawita (11yrs), Eri (9yrs) and Nei Ruteta (7yrs). All the children aren't quite ready for baptism as we have been concentrating on the parents so they'll be taught properly later and hopefully be baptized by their father. Anyways, the lesson was just to prepare them for the interview with the district leader, but at the end of the lesson we all shared our gratitude for the opportunity to teach/being taught. The spirit was so strong possibly the strongest I've felt in a lesson before. This family couldn't be any more ready, even when the circumstances where not in their favour. </div>
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So yeah, that's about it for the week, we'll see what the email situation is like over there in Abaiang, if not so good. Might not email next week, so I'll see whenever :) loving it out here, sad to be leaving this area but excited for what is next!</div>
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love y'alls </div>
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Elder Berends. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505851996535101574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-81371297054185739622016-11-07T08:55:00.002+10:002016-11-07T08:56:45.735+10:00Week 60 - Tarawa, Teaoraereke (Elder Parry & Elder Emor)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDPFDrnOe529zqbS4VQzC_hiDwr0zOOMTBll6iV254dB-2ZlCt-DRNyphs5-8M3KqtOzEH9GUj8KTyvNvwOuFoHZ5cMDocVN3uKcouSy-1Ohj76cw5Ct-9vT8Gkb-WiLRPbhhbaOQJ0vJ/s1600/IMG_8343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDPFDrnOe529zqbS4VQzC_hiDwr0zOOMTBll6iV254dB-2ZlCt-DRNyphs5-8M3KqtOzEH9GUj8KTyvNvwOuFoHZ5cMDocVN3uKcouSy-1Ohj76cw5Ct-9vT8Gkb-WiLRPbhhbaOQJ0vJ/s320/IMG_8343.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Hey Family,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Sounds like the house is coming together, but have you ever thought </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">of getting rid of all the furniture and just sitting on the floor? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Haha honestly if i get a house thats what I'm doing, it leaves so much </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">space in a room and it looks so clean.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Anyways, I completely forgot to mention last week that Elder Grant as </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">leaving on Thursday.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> So yeah Elder Grant is in Australia right now! I </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">gave him some roles of film to take back so hopefully he can get them </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">developed and we will see how they look.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So now its just us three, Elder Emor, Parry and I. Its a funny </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">companionship, I love them both so much. Elder Emor is a companion I'll </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">never forget, just so many funny situations I run into with him. And </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Elder Parry is the man, I'm gonna learn a lot from him.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So this week at church we had such a good turn out! 200 showed for </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">sacrament meeting. Tiaon and Aabi are going well, but we were worried </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">about them when their fellow shippers turned up to church with out </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Tiaon and Aabi. we were so worried that they weren't going to show. B</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">ut just as the bishopric stood up to conduct the meeting we see them </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">walking into the church. They had come to church all on their own. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">That shows to me that they are in this for real, that their </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">testimonies are becoming their own.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">so yeah next Sunday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> they should be interviewed for baptism and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">baptized on the 19 November, I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> just hope so bad I dont get transferred </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">before then because I've already missed the baptism of our golden </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">family in Kiritimati.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We have another couple coming along well, Bwatiku and Nei Patricia. T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">hey are a younger couple 22yrs and 24yrs and Patricia is pregnant due </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">in January. We just have to get their marriage sorted out and then </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">hopefully everything else will go good from there.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Thats about it love yall's</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Elder Berends</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-89408826193619089172016-10-31T13:28:00.005+10:002016-10-31T13:28:54.741+10:00Week 59 - Tarawa, Teaoraereke (Companion: Elder Parry)<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha22QNuc6rAZ1lOqrvHjZXPcZpkVboqMPKRaC2ISFm7WrOxe_3QadP8rMqO82YzFAphFpmgbDTIckY-4lACLuXfU3AQIamw6yItVZYXxJghVSxbLllkkuuGQCe-3cmcWnzO-pGuQQolE7p/s1600/DSCF9740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha22QNuc6rAZ1lOqrvHjZXPcZpkVboqMPKRaC2ISFm7WrOxe_3QadP8rMqO82YzFAphFpmgbDTIckY-4lACLuXfU3AQIamw6yItVZYXxJghVSxbLllkkuuGQCe-3cmcWnzO-pGuQQolE7p/s320/DSCF9740.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So its been a great week, our baptism was really good, Tebwebwe, her daughter Maggie and nephew Roteta got baptized as well as Ueen, Aborina, Rotikate and Kaaremwa. And all the other children in the photo are just child of records (Children who have just turned 8), so there was a lot of white. President and Sister Larkin flew in <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1659443168" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span> and it was good to have them at our baptism. It was one of the best baptisms I've had, lots of member support and just a really spiritual experience for all who attended.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">So this Sunday Tiaon, his wife, Aabi and 3 of their kids came to church and stayed all three hours! I'm really proud of them, that cant of been an easy thing for them. First of all they live in a area that is very strong catholic (they have to walk past the biggest catholic building in Tarawa to get to church). Also I was talking to bishop and he was very surprised to see him at church because of things he's done in the past, so obviously there is gossip about him (something that cannot be avoided in a society like this). So was a big step for that family, and they were fellow-shipped really well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">To answer your questions about the outer islands, the West zone looks after Makin, Butaritari, Marakei and Abaiang... anything north of Tarawa. And there is reliable communication in Abaiang and Marakei but Butaritari can be a hassle to get a hold of, and they do not take part in zone conferences. They are out there all by themselves until they get a transfer and if there is anything they need to know, we tell them over the phone. And zone conferences happen whenever President is in town. but no conference this week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the sisters in my district have a favour, they want a shout out in my blog so shout out to sisters Lee, Tutuila, Heni, Beria.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And for a parcel, please put more 400 speed film in there, spare white shirts for investigators, please find some dope ties (I need to step up my tie game, <b>Elder Parry</b> is destroying me). maybe chuck in the other lens for my pentax, I think its like 35-70mm and that's all I can think of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that's about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Happy anniversary! cool to hear Rhys is going for school captain and that y'all gonna meet Vaughan's girl... awkward for mum and dad, hahah </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">love y'all,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Elder Berends</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-68369918626736962132016-10-24T09:23:00.002+10:002016-10-24T09:23:36.706+10:00Week 58 - Tarawa, Teaoraereke (Companion: Elder Parry)<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Email Dated: 24/10/2016</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My companion Elder Parry did arrive from Kiritimati! Elder Parry arrived in Tarawa Thursday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. I actually got to work with him for a day in Kiritimati so we are already good friends, he's from Idaho and I'm really excited to work with him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tebwebwe and family did not get baptized because of women problems... but will be baptized next week with Karemwa, Aborina, Rotikate and Ueen. So it'll be a big baptism next week. Utara's marriage paper is ready to go so once he is married he'll be baptized but right now he is a little busy, his wife is in the hospital giving birth! So it's all very exciting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also had some one new at church this week, our investigator Tiaon! He is so legit we teach him and his wife Nei Aabi. They have 5 kids and I'm really feeling good about them. I remember when we first met them we were actually looking for a referral so we approached their house to ask them if they knew the referral. They didn't but they invited us in for a drink, so did we got to know them, found out that they were already married (which makes our life so much easier), don't really have any specific religion (so rare in Kiribati) and were willing to listen to our message. Those circumstances have so much potential so really excited for them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i9sjqiwv44wZJpbjU4R7DxrYArVtauMNj7L58uU6V_44_uB4Ry-wKNyvYDvhp8OeVUSD78-yqHlT4smtmf5WndUNWTYHrAyeVkF9lGaTg26x9QT4Md__pfVk3bO-ibuKh6TA2kRvbSHq/s1600/dan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i9sjqiwv44wZJpbjU4R7DxrYArVtauMNj7L58uU6V_44_uB4Ry-wKNyvYDvhp8OeVUSD78-yqHlT4smtmf5WndUNWTYHrAyeVkF9lGaTg26x9QT4Md__pfVk3bO-ibuKh6TA2kRvbSHq/s320/dan2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes we did watch conference in Kiribati, and what I got from conference was that the Book of Mormon is so important, I felt a lot was talked about the gospel of Jesus Christ (faith, repentance, baptism...) and I really liked the talk in Priesthood session, I think it was Holland's. we talked a lot about home teaching, which is something that Kiribati needs right now with all the less actives. The lessons I learnt from conference have really helped with my teaching especially using the Book of Mormon to teach the gospel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And its alright we get the magazine with all the conference talks anyway and I actually have a USB with all my photos from Tarawa that i could send, however I've lost all my photos from the MTC and Kiritimati because of the sketchy computers here :( But a lot of my Kiritimati photos are from Elder Millers camera anyway so I'm just gonna ask him to put up all the photo's on google drive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So our zone consisted of Sister's Lee, Tutuila, Tuilotolava, Bibinibeia, Manu, Heni, Beria, Sua and Elder's Hoskins, Herr, Emor, Grant, and Parry. Then we have Elders Bataua, Curren, Osborne, Schoeny, Jim, Darm, Naurer, Hilliard on our outer islands. I feel like all are working really well with each other and getting some good work done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">As for a trasnsfer coming up soon... I have no clue, there is a lot of talk that I will be transferred because I've been ZL for a while but when I first moved to ZL President Weir he wanted me here for all the big intakes which means to the end of the year, but we have a new President now so who knows. But I feel like my work here in Teaoraereke 2nd ward is not done... But that's what i felt about Kiritimati. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So that's about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Love Elder Berends. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-47919696550655080922016-10-17T09:19:00.000+10:002016-10-17T09:40:05.951+10:00Week 57 - Tarawa, Teaoraereke (Companion: Elder Grant)<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;">Hey,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This week has been absolutely crazy because the new intake came in 3 days late and it messed up all the flights, but we did figure it all out and it was just making it all happen. So us zone leaders are a 40 min drive from the airport while the others are 20 mins away from the airport but because there was so much going on the other zone leaders </span>didn't<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> have enough room in their house so we took care of some of the transfer as well. We had Elders Schoeny, Haycock, Morphonios, Osborne and Miller stay with us until their flights. We had a couple of close calls getting them to the airport on time which was stressful but we got them all to their outer islands. But I'm so glad that the transfer is done... almost. My new companion, Elder Parry, and 2 other elders are stuck in Christmas. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">On top of all the this I had to train a district </span></span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1100909189" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204 , 204 , 204); color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Wednesday<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and give a talk on </span></span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1100909190" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204 , 204 , 204); color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, to be honest its been fun. My training was all about the Book of Mormon and using it effectively. like here in Kiribati everyone believes the bible so its really fun for us missionaries to be able to prove any other religion wrong with the book they themselves believe, I too am guilty. But after conference there was a lot said about the BOM. So I encouraged all the missionaries to let BOM verses take priority while teaching restored doctrines. This way we are not just weakening their faith in their own belief but converting them to the restored church and strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">And my talk, i translated a story titled "find me" from Dads red book full of talks and church stuff. It was about this guy sharing his experience from the pre-mortal life. he was given a letter with details about his life on earth and it said he was going to be born to parents from the church, and then his best friends letter said that he was not. So when it came to go to earth, his friend told him to find him. That's the jist of it... but I talked about how we may have promised certain people that we would find them in this life and bring them to the truth so I encouraged the ward to remember their baptismal covenants and be a disciple of Christ. so yeah fun week.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And the whole Facebook thing, I'm glad that it helps the parents. One recommendation, however, from what I've seen is all the Elders are bringing way to much stuff that just never gets used, especially considering when they go to outer islands they can only take 15 kg, and everything else stays in Tarawa. So the best thing and most </span>useful<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> thing I brought was my backpack. And the only things I use regularly is white shirts and pants. I've never had to worry about medicine (100% supplied by the mission) and garments (can get them way cheap here)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So our area is actually going really well right now, we have 8 baptismal dates, Tebwebwe and family are getting baptized this week except for the husband he's going to need more time and tebwebwe has been waiting long enough. All the other baptismal daters are between the ages of 16-20yrs they are all either living with members just for school or already have family who are members, except for this one 40+ year old lady, Nei Ueen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">They are all ready and really legit and I love them all, but I</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> want to be working with families and especially potential priesthood holders. Right we do have families but they are so much harder, but we'll pray harder and fast longer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have this 1 couple Tiaon and Aabi, who are progressing slowly but we just started bring members to the lessons and I feel really good about them. There is also this other 28yr old man that we are teaching and he is doing really good, his wife is a member and they come to church every week so once we get them married he should be baptized. so we do have a couple families right now but families take time while the 16-20yr olds are just so ready here on Tarawa we can get them baptized with in 3-4weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So yeah i like whats happening with our area right now! so thats it for now</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">love Elder Berends</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-38574125192379592822016-10-10T13:35:00.000+10:002016-10-10T13:35:03.058+10:00Week 56 - Tarawa, Teaoraereke (Companion: Elder Grant)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Email dated: 10/10/2016</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this P-day I've decided to reply to all those other friends that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">email me so I'll make my family email a short one, sorry...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But as I promised last week I'll share the funny story.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The District</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So while the AP's (Assistants to the President) where in Tarawa they went on splits with us. Elders </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emor, Hunter (AP) and I worked together.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we have an investigator </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who is having lessons behind her fathers back, even thought she is 20 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">yrs old the culture is that you have permission from family if you are </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">going to do such a thing as being taught in a different religion.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So our plan for that day was to just visit the father because she was </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">scaried to tell him herself. So we talked to him and he said he would </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">think about it, so I then asked if he would listen to our message and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">he said go teach my wife and children. So we had a really good leason </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">about the Godhead, prayer and I introduced the Book of Mormon. At the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">end I ask if we could come back again, they said they will hear from </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the father.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So any way right as we closed in prayer Elder Emor said to me in his </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">broken english, "I need to go bathroom" so me and Hunter said our </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">final words but we weren't quick enough Elder Emor had ran away.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we looked around and we eventually found him in a toilet guarded </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by a security guard, he told us he was in there. So we waited a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">little and then he came out and said, "we go to the house, I pood my </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">garments" it was so funny, what was even funnier the poo smelt like </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the ice cream from the night before. so I'm pretty sure he is lactose </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">intolorent and he doesn't even know it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yeah that's the story. We did have a baptism, was a 22 year old girl </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">living with our bishop, and yes the family baptism is postponed, they </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">are now married just trying to get the husband ready for baptism.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, the new missionaries from the MTC did not come we were all at the airport waiting for </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">them and was shocked when no one got off. It messed up a lot of flight </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tickets we had bought but they should be coming to day.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">life is good</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love Elder Berends</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-1038625116185463182016-10-03T13:09:00.000+10:002016-10-10T13:44:47.451+10:00Week 55 - Tarawa, Teaoraereke (Companion: Elder Grant)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">Right, I'm emailing </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">from an Internet cafe, the internet is not fast </span>enough for photo's so you'll have to wait till next week. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">If the </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">translating is done we should be watching general conference </span><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">next Sunday</a><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">So this week has been an eventful one. President was on the island for a </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">week with the AP's, Elders Peeti and Hunter. So while they where around we </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">had a zone conference, all missionaries on Tarawa attended. Lucky we </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">didnt have to present anything, just presentations from Elder Peeti, </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">Hunter and President Larkin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">Elder Peeti gave really good training </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">on being bold but not over bearing, and the best way to do that is </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">follow the promptings of the spirit and not cutting it off. Definitely a </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">skill I </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">have learnt/learning while on my mission especially being in </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">leadership. Anyways walked out of that conference with a motivation to </span><span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">be bold and hopefully not to be over bearing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 23px;">So later that day we did splits and worked with Elder Emor, we visited </span>our investigator Tebwebwe, she had just got back from the KUC (Kiribati United Church) headquarters. So while a ago we were talking and i had mentioned that i really liked the bibles the KUC ministers have, they are black leather, have gold on them like the quad combinations and have a zip... so real fancy, but only can be purchased at the KUC headquarters. so after that she tried to go and</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 23px;">get one for me with out telling me, thats why she was at the KUC. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, she was unsuccessful. she told me the first time she tried to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">enter the KUC she was told to leave because she was wearing pants. so </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">she went home, put on a skirt, went back, was aloud to enter, but when </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">she tried to purchase the bible she was told she didn't have a good </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">enough reason to buy one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 23px;">So when we visited she told me what that she was going to buy bible </span>for me but was unsuccessful, so she gave us the money and told us to go buy it our selves. at first i was like, heck no those bibles are expensive and im pretty we'll be chased out on the KUC if we try to enter. but in the end she convinced me to do it.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">So we went forth with faith and courage, not fearing Man more than God </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">(defitination of being Bold) and enter the KUC compound. we asked </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">security where to buy the bible, they all had surprised looks on their </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">faces but they pionted us to the building. while walked to the </span>building a minister asked us what we where doing, we replied "we are <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 23px;">here to buy a bible" and just kept walking like we were meant to be </span>there.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 23px;">we walked into the building, it seemed to be a printing room where </span>they print their church materials. their where about 9 ladies in that room and they all stopped their work and stared at us, you could tell what they were thinking by their faces. but i asked if i could buy the fancy black bible and they sold me one with out any questions asked, it was as if they refused to confront me or even talk to me. but Elder Emor and I got away with a nice new bible.</div>
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so yeah thats one story and there is actually one other story that happened this week but ill type that up next week.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstyletallbody"; font-size: 23px;">we also had a baptism this week, Nei Kamaawa. she was a referal from </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">Tekabutara (was baptized 2 weeks ago). was really good i really like </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">how fellowship went with her, she was followshipped by Tekabutara, </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">Kameri (recent converts) and this really cool couple, Kaong and </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">Aribeta. so all these come to church together like a family its really </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">cool to see. after the baptism we all went to Kaong's and Aribeta's </span><span style="font-family: uictfonttextstyletallbody;">house for dinner, was really fun.</span></div>
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we have some cool families right now and im realy trying hard to help them all because far in this area we have had success with 16yrs-25yrs old individuals, and even though they are all solid recent converts, eternal families are what we want. we are gettig really close with Tebwebwe's family, The fast for her partner, Tabomao, seems to have payed off and we have started teaching them all as a whole family. They are going to be married this Thursday, and before Tebwebwe and her kids were going to be baptized <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">on the 8th of october</a>, but now that Tabomao is investigating we are going to put it off for a little and see how he goes because Tebwebwe really want to be baptized as a family. it all really realy exciting and i love this family so much!</div>
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So that's about it for now. I love you all</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love Elder Berends</span></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 23px;"></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7184112754617297711.post-16497817739022952822016-09-26T09:10:00.000+10:002016-09-26T09:10:12.181+10:00Week 54 - Tarawa, Teaoraereke (Companion: Elder Grant)<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7RA1VAyzQ_CZufkvdsxMXYKVZEs17Rcy1lT_2y46tslFuEk9AhtSypDGFwSeHzJWObMD0HRryiMTVaSA5-FmY2UVQ9ax6ZiCIMeblmjo3niaVGVWTMUwkmGsac_IMjynAE_r1SnyoN-v/s1600/DSCF6225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7RA1VAyzQ_CZufkvdsxMXYKVZEs17Rcy1lT_2y46tslFuEk9AhtSypDGFwSeHzJWObMD0HRryiMTVaSA5-FmY2UVQ9ax6ZiCIMeblmjo3niaVGVWTMUwkmGsac_IMjynAE_r1SnyoN-v/s320/DSCF6225.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hey,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So sorry I didn't email last week the internet got shut down before I got a chance and I wont have time right now to email much because I gotta leave for the airport in 40 mins to pick up a sister missionary who just got back from her visa appointment In Fiji. So she'll be working in Kiribati until she gets her visa for where ever she is going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So these last 2 weeks has been pretty slow as Elder Grant and I got sick. I was only sick for 2 days but Elder Grant has been sick for over a week now, so the work has slowed down. However the baptisms of Omeri and Nei Tekabutara went really well. We had our old bishop/new stake president baptize Omeri and a YSA from our ward, Marako, baptize Tekabutara., it was very special for them both to have them baptized by those members. we also had 2 investigators at the baptism Kamaawa and Tebwebwe so that was really good for them to see that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To help the work keep going we ave been taking advantage of having 3 missionaries in this area, Elders Grant, Emor and I. Almost every day Marako has been coming on splits with us and its been really great. He's a really good guy, just put in his papers and waiting for his call, I cant wait to see where he goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our investigators are going well, Tebwebwe is amazing, shes already up to Alma in the book of Mormon. Her marriage papers are in so she'll be married and baptized by the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1248697301" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8th of October</span></span> hopefully, it will be her and daughter being baptized but we are trying so hard to get the husband involved, he's a great guy, I've talked to him a couple of times but he's an alcoholic and Tebwebwe really wants him to stop. So yesterday we fasted with her for her husband.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Got a couple of new investigators and they are all potential complete families which we are really excited about. Nei Kamaawa will be baptized <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1248697302" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">this Saturday</span></span> she's a referral from Nei Tekabutara so its good to see recent converts then introducing their friends to the gospel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my Birthday was chill, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1248697303" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> was surprised by my zone with cake and then in the middle taking photos with the cake your parcel arrived! Sister Jenks (senior missionary) just walks in and hands me the box so its a miracle it came a day before my birthday. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1248697304" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday</span></span> was just normal day work, nothing special just birthday wishes from other missionaries, didn't tell anyone from the ward so was no celebrations and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1248697305" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span> was given another cake by the sister training leaders so had plenty of cake. I actually ended taking that cake to members the day after my birthday and they got pretty mad that they weren't informed, but all well next time ;p</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that's about it thanks for the birthday wishes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love Elder Berends.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07905130004361436451noreply@blogger.com0