Sunday, October 21, 2018

10-21-18 Roi Et



Hey hey there Dad!



So this last week has been pretty tiring for sure. But lots of fun!



We just had an Elder come back from his mission this past week (meaning back to Roi-Et because he is Thai.) His name is Farm and he is way cool. Served in Australia so it is fun to be able to speak with him.



We also had a crazy Tuesday. We had a meeting called จบ'ers meeting (Jober's Meeting). President and Sister Hammond gave us a very very good overview of preparing for life after our missions. Schooling, work, and the whole bit. Lots of it. Way fun, but kind of sad. All of these missionaries about to go home. But it was fun and it was good. Except for the two night buses. I barely had any sleep for several days. We did some advanced switching off with different missionaries to get all the people down but keep as many missionaries in their areas as possible. So that was fun as well. Like a weird puzzle game except it was real life.



We also did interviews and that was way good. Also had to renew my temple recommend and that was a great experience. All mission presidents are great I feel like.



Otherwise, the rest of the week was hard work, lack of sleep and hard work! That's what life is like. Also we had to do a baptismal interview and those are always fun. There's a lot of listening to the Spirit. A lot of follow up questions. But you know when they are ready.



The Spirit will tell us all things which we should do. One thing that I learned this past week was about virtue. Not about being clean morally or anything like that, but keeping your mind disciplined. Sing a hymn, or memorize a scripture, but you can control the theater of your mind. Remember the scripture: "Look unto me in every thought. Doubt not, fear not." (.. ​:๓๖)



I know that as we center our lives on the Savior all of our fears will melt away. Love you lots! Talk to you soon!



-Elder Collin Decker











10-14-18 Roi Et



Hey hey there!



So this last week was way way busy. But way fun!



Last P-Day we went to the mountains and explored there. We went to a cool temple up in the mountains, and it was way big and way pretty. However, when we were walking back down, I decided to attempt at a triple heel click off some steps and... I fell. I also rolled my ankle 555. So now it's just a joke with the entire district now: "Do a triple heel click!" Needless to say I was in pain for a couple days... 555 But we then hiked to see a waterfall which was fun. Also ate lunch on a house boat thing so that was actually fun. Played Uno with our one of our favorite members: Brother ปอ. Got us back on time as well!



After that, we proselyted in the evening in of which Brother ปอ took us to go see a Less Active member who invited us to their house for a lesson basically. We ended up finding out that her family was a part member family and that she wanted to come back to church as well. Taught her sister. Way good. She is also way awesome at teaching so I look forward to working with her more.



We also had Zone Conference this week! That took a lot of planning and time to do with the Sister Training Leaders. But it ended up going well, so I was happy. We ended up training on Goal Setting and Planning, something I'm still not perfect act, but it was a good training for me and everyone else who listened I feel like. The missionaries in this Zone are way awesome. I love all of them. We had hamburgers and macaroni for lunch, with Roti and Ice cream for dessert, some chips, and a lot of soda. We also had to coordinate the interviews and pick up President at the airport. Handed out a Book of Mormon at the airport in 101 (Roi-Et) as well.



Also watched General Conference this past weekend. Way way good. I especially loved Elder Holland's talk about forgiving. Let us never hold on to grudges.



One thought I would like to leave is this:



The Spirit shall tell us all things which we should do. That is the doctrine taught in 2 Nephi 32. The Words of Christ as well as The Spirit, which are the Words of Christ in an extended thinking sort of way. The scriptures use the words "all". The Spirit doesn't just say some things, or most of the things but you're on your own for the rest, but it says all. Never forget to rely on the Spirit. It really will tell us all things that we should do if we live close to it. If we ever feel like we are lacking guidance from the Spirit, maybe a little self-reflection is necessary. Or, perhaps follow the counsel giving in the ninth section of the Doctrine and Covenants. Remember that the advice from that section says we need to come to the Lord with a solution and then ask. Only then shall we receive an answer through the Spirit.



I hope everyone is doing great, and I'll talk to you soon! Love you lots!



- เอ็ลเดอร์ เดคเคอร์









10-7-18 Roi Et



Hey hey there!



First and foremost: For the fourth time in my mission, I have not watched general conference yet. So, there's that. 



Anyways, this last week was way crazy! We had a switch off with the Sisaket Elders on Wednesday and then Thursday. Then on Thursday we sent them back and we went down to Ubon for switch offs. It was way fun! I got to play volleyball as well, so everything is well...555



Being in Roi Et is way fun though. All the members here are so nice. It's a lot of fun everyday. Also they sell fake Yugioh Cards here for way cheap so... There's that.



No matter what we are doing, nothing can be more important than the work of the Lord. We go to church to improve and be more Christlike and read and pray to do so as well. 



General Conference as well! Please everyone carefully consider the messages the Prophet and the Apostles will share with us. They really are from God. I know it. That's what I do everyday out here, with people who people who barely know Christ. I know He lives. I know that all will be well as we follow Him. 



Talk to you soon! Love you! 









9-30-18 Roi Et


Hey there Dad!



So this last week was way way way slow. 



We had to go to MLC this last week. It was way fun but we couldn't get a plane down or back so we had to take a 9 hour bus ride to Asoke for the meeting. Got there at 5 in the morning. Barely slept. Got there just in time to play basketball and then kicked off of the court. Then meetings all the way until 1 in the afternoon. Way good. The temple is coming way soon and we're way excited.



Then we saw my RC and Elder Duncan's RC in Bang Naa/Samut Prakaan. It was way fun and finally got to say a proper goodbye to my RC and her mom. Way good.



After that was the long bus ride of torture back home where we got a total of about 5 hours of sleep. Then worked and did weekly planning. Really hard to work this week. 



Friday we also had switch offs and I went to Mahasarakham with Elder Denny who is in the one group after me. It was a solid day but he had just got back from Asoke at 3 in the morning. We played sports and had a good day. He's great and hard working. I love the branch as well.



I stayed the night and then we had a sports day on Saturday between Roi Et and Mahasarakham where we had the hardest tug of war in my life. And also played volleyball. Way fun.



Then we had Sunday where we found a family to teach!



Anyways, not much for this week. Its way fun out here. My bike broke and lots of pillow talking. Anyways, love you lots! Just going to leave this here: 



Fear not, I am with thee Oh be not dismayed. For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen me help thee and cause thee to stand. Upheld by my righteous Omnipotent Hand. (How Firm a Foundation)



The Lord is always with us. 



Love you! Talk you soon!

9-23-18 Roi Et


Hey hey there Dad!



So I'm actually at a computer right now. With nice mechanical keyboards. You can ask Kai what that means if you don't know what I'm talking about. It's way nice, the monitors are curved and I see rainbows like everywhere which is electronic.



These last couple of days have been... difficult, to say the least. Getting used to a new area and getting used to riding my bike again. I found out that my brakes didn't work so... I had to use my feet to brake for a day. Way fun. Also packing all my stuff was really hard so I definitely need to buy one more suitcase before I go home. The mission does allow two checked suitcases so... I think I'll be fine.



We went out and visited a lot of members over the last week, starting from the last Monday which had passed. I really didn't think that I would be moving but... I did. That was a surprising phone call because we were in a lesson with one of my Recent Converts there. She told me to answer it and it was from President Hammond. Then he called me to be a Zone Leader. Then I was scared, surprised, and a little bit sad. Even though I requested it! Oh well. That just proves that the Lord's hand is in this because I feel that I gave pretty compelling reasons to stay. But, the Lord has called me, as President and the Assistants to the President expressed. So, there's that.



The hardest part about leaving Samut Prakaan was definitely leaving the family of investigators and my one RC as well. They were so good to us, and I really loved them. I just want them all to be happy, to all go to the temple and be a family together forever. But their time hasn't come quite yet, but it will, I hope. I still pray for that everyday. 



Also praying that I will have some idea of what I am doing here... and how to help lead. However, we must remember these principles:



Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.  



It's true! Small and simple and things are what we need. We need to do the small and simple things to lead to our exaltation. However, we also need to remember that no matter how small you think you are, you can bring great things to come to pass. 



I know that this work is true, and that it never ends, no matter where you are. Keep up the good fight! Love you all!



P.S. I can't type in Thai on a computer.



- Elder Collin Decker











9-19-18 Roi Et Transfers


Hey there Dad! 



So you already know the story. I'm moving to the good old 101. Also called Roi-Et. It's going to be way fun.



This last week was interesting. We did a lot of service to help out our RC's family so we think we're getting a lot closer to them. Life is good, and hard, but pretty good.



Anyways, sorry we just got a quiet minute to sit down, but I'll try to get a better one out next week.



All I want to leave is this: 



The Lord answers our prayers.



Love you! Send another next week!

9-10-18 Samut Sakhon


Hey dad just tell everyone that nothing really happened over the last 4 days so there wasn't really much to write home about.... thank you! Love you!


Hey hey there!



Sorry​ for getting back late... But here it is!



So not much happened this last week. We went out to a different province. Then it rained...​All day. So we weren't able to do very much. But we took some fun pictures! I'll try to get those up later but... You should already have some! Then it flooded there right after we left so... We were lucky!



We had District Council. That was fun. We played a game called hot seat where basically the district nails you with any question for 1 minute. It was fun.



Otherwise it was a good working week. We have a couple progressing investigators. One is getting close to getting a date but she still hasn't got an answer yet from her prayers so we're waiting on that.



We had switch offs with the Zone Leaders the other day. It was way fun but it rained.... Hard... All day. So needless to say it was a little difficult to invite... But we did. And walked through dirty street water. It was fun! We also met a really cool guy who might want to learn so it will be great for them. 



Not a ton at church... Our international model investigator is going back to Singapore... 😅 So that's sad but it will be ok 👌



Otherwise, not much to report! The Asia Area President will be coming to do a Mission Tour so we will be receiving training from him. 



Anyways, the only thing that I've learned this week:



"Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together.

   2 For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.

   3 And the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.

   4 And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.

   5 And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them." (D&C 1:1-5)



Do​ we have eyes to see and ears to hear right now? Or will we wait until the judgment day?



Are we willing to see things the Lord's way, or our way? Hear the things He has prepared for us, or hear the voice of the world? Let us open our eyes, that we may see, and open our ears, to hear and see the things which the Lord would have us know and see and experience. Pray and study the scriptures and we take a big step, as well as partaking of the Sacrament. 



Love you lots! Talk to you soon! 

9-4-18 Samut Sakhon



Well, there's your Thai for everyone today. Writing in both languages is hard, you see... It's either one or the other. I don't really know the English equivalent a lot of the things that I say in Thai. 



ผมไม่อยากพูดยาว แต่สรุปว่าผมขี้เกียจแปล



So I hope that's good for everyone! Also a note: If it is 00.00. (12:00 A.M.) and you're still up, please go to sleep. Family, please go to sleep before tomorrow comes. President Hinckley has promised blessings from doing so. Which means that as it hits 14.00. here, please go to sleep.



This last week was fun! We went to MBK last week. Let's just say that I'm probably never going to go there again. And I will not take you all there. Markets here... you have to be careful. Don't get me wrong, it's really clean and developed, but maybe developed after the pattern of Babylon, another great, large, developed city in times past. That's all I'll say.



Has District Council on Tuesday, so that was way fun! I love our district. So much fun. English was also fun. We talked about our world and rotated classes. It was good!



Wednesday we taught some lessons to .พร and .ติ๋ว. Pretty ok. พร is having a hard time time understanding, but we're checking for real intent to help her, hopefully. Then we found a strange old lady for a new investigator that day as we headed over to teach a part member family.



Thursday was our weekly planning day. Some appointments fell through, some dropped investigators... it's ok, because that's how life goes. They'll have their chance again later in their life I suppose. We do all that we can but we need to move on to harvesting. If, over a long period of time, investigators don't keep commitments, then we need to move on, as prompted by the Spirit. Then we went inviting along the คลอง and found a couple of way cool investigators. We just need return appointments and more opportunities to teach them. Then we read the Children's Book of Mormon with an new member's mom and her over video call.



Friday was Sport's Night but that didn't really pan out. We ended up going to teach that same family as mentioned. We're trying really hard to help them progress and help them complete their family. That's the dream, for sure.



Saturday nothing worked out... but we had Correlation Meeting with the Bishop. He's so great. I love the Bishop here a lot. He works hard and is very efficient and clear in what his goals are. He also gave us Pizza Hut and Sticky Rice with Chicken so that we could start our fast. We are working on trying to see more Less Active members and help them return to Church as well. That day we also tried to teach a couple people who we met on the street but no results there. We ended up seeing an old couple who are members (we usually give the Sacrament to them). We taught them while our investigator and her daughter, who is a new member, came along. I felt the Spirit there. I hope she did as well.



Sunday was fast Sunday. Lunch was great. They feed us lunch kind of like a potluck every Sunday after Church and we eat together. It is way good. A good way to break the fast (Lunch - Lunch). We also had dinner with a member and our RC and the Sister Missionaries. We all gave a Spiritual Thought about The Holy Ghost who helps us as member missionaries.



Monday we had Zone Conference, in of which Elder Homer, who is in the Asia Area Presidency, came to train us. We talked about finding and teaching, the basic components of missionary work. He was way funny and told us lots of stories and had President and Sister Hammond tell us how about their proposal went. Then he told us a story that made everyone cry called "The Marks of Man." It went something like this:



There was a member, who once boarded a plane going from Miami, Florida, to Salt Lake City, Utah. Up at the front he saw a young man in a new suit, sitting right next to what appeared to be his parents. He seemed to lights in his eyes, and the members recognized that this young man is probably going to be a missionary. He is clean, a little anxious, but ready for the next two years. The member says that they felt proud, proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.



The member then took their seat and looked to their right. They saw another young man, the same clean short haircut, the suit, and wearing a name badge. His suit maybe a little less clean. He was sleeping against the window. The member recognized that this young man was a missionary as well. However, this young man was probably on his way home. 



The member looked, and saw the bags under the missionary's eyes, from the long days spent under the hot sun, working all day. Tireless hours spent working for the people he loved. That was a mark that made this young boy a man.



The member looked at the missionary's nametag. He saw it crooked, scratched, and engraving almost worn away from those countless hours and experiences. Those were the marks of a man.



His pants, once new and clean, now patched as evidenced by many, poorly made, stiches.The knees of his pants were white, from all the time he spent kneeling for his investigators, his companion, the missionaries, his president, for the work. Kneeling in prayer and humbling himself before God all the time. Those were the marks of that man.



The knuckles of his hands, once smooth and clean, were now cracked, scarred from all the doors he knocked and the service he gave. The hands he used to bless the people and come unto God. Those were the marks of that man.



His shoes, once having that new shoe shine, were now cracked, split and old, having evidence of many, many, shoe shines. They bore himself many many miles, to the doors and places that he served. Now worn down, those were the marks of that man.



Clearly he loved the people, as much as he could. He served them the best he could. Now at rest, well deserved, on his way back home.



In him, the member could see, the marks of a different man as well. One who blessed with his hands to make the blind see and the deaf here, whose feet carried him throughout all the land. Whose feet and hands were pierced for, to save us all. A Prince of Peace. Those were the marks of that man.



The member wanted to bring that new missionary right by the ear and say to him "Look at this missionary! You could become like him. Someone came home with honor." The member was filled with pride as they saw that missionary resting there.



Shortly thereafter, they landed, and the member woke returning missionary. He opened his eyes. His body seemed to sigh, and be renewed with strength. And in his eyes, the member could see a light that they did not catch before. It was light of the Savior, of whom that young man had served, ever so faithfully, for the last two years.



The member looked at him and the missionary looked back, and they exchanged no words, only a smile. The member gestured, letting him go first and so the missionary did. The member followed him through, and they found themselves in the midst of that missionary's family, and saw him in his parent's arms. He had finally returned, his work was done. He had returned as a man.



So I hope that might be with me. That's what I pray. And so I serve with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength. I will find those who are ready, and I hope the Lord will help me do it. May he bless us all in our missionary endeavors.



Love you lots! Talk to you soon.



- Elder Collin Decker







8-7-18 Samut Sakhon Transfers - No Move


Well, this week has certainly been eventful! I think. I'm trying to keep better track of what's happening, but honestly, from week to week it's pretty smashed together. Every minute of existence is just one long day run together with a nap in between every so often, after praying for half an hour. No sleep, just naps, hahaha.



So exciting events for this week:



Monday we bought stuff from China Town. Fabric and stuff... The ties and such will be expensive this time around... 😅 



Tuesday was District Council (no longer called District Meeting FYI). We learned more about how to help find the elect and find those who are ready. And English. We taught about something I can't remember. Probably shopping. As so met a cool new investigator close to our house. We're going to work hard to help him overcome his WoW problems. He's way nice though. 



Wednesday was a full day. We had switch offs that day. I was with Elder Ratelle. He is way fun to be around. It was a pretty fun day, saw a lot of investigators and had dinner with our RC and taught her mom as well. Her mom is progressing slowly, but still unwilling to pray with us. We'll keep trying! 



Thursday we had weekly planning, probably a lot of planning. Overall, when you're training, those days go by kind of slow and there's lots of sitting. But it's all necessary and all good. Had scripture class and our Chinese member was with us and gave us the funniest big eyes look ever... He also can't read Thai so that's fun. His phone also broke and wouldn't stop vibrating so that's fun. 



Friday we then kicked out cats from our house... So there's this really annoying thing that would happen everyday where this fairly large cat would sprint out of the front gate everytime we were leaving for several days on end. So we decided to investigate. Found two little cats hiding behind some wooden boards propped up against our house. We decided that this situation probably wasn't in line with mission standards, so we moved the boards, grabbed the cats and kicked them out. Sorry. I also learned that you can grab cats by the scruff of the neck and they kind of get paralyzed as you lift them up. My goal is now to get every cat in the neighborhood by the scruff of the neck... Hahaha 



Otherwise​ we had dinner with the Elders Quorum President who was a missionary in Thailand 35+ or so years ago. He's from Thailand, but had three sons, all of whom served missions. One in Japan too! He's way funny and his wife was also a missionary at the same time as President Hammond here in Thailand so they kind of know each other. 



Saturday was fun. Don't really remember much of what's happening. 



Sunday was church. Good, but need more people going! We had at least 4 committed but only 1 came... It's ok we'll work through it. We had to be hard on one of our investigators because she wouldn't pray in front of us, even through she promised and gave her word that she would. But she eventually did it and now is starting to progress a lot faster! 



Then the rest of this week was a blur. That's all I have. One thing I learned though is... 



We​ as missionaries need to open our mouths, and remember that the field is white, ready to harvest! Not brown ready to plant or green ready to water. We need to fear not, and we will have the Spirit, the words we need to say. D&C tells us this the entire time. Just do it! Trust in the Lord of the Harvest. 



Anyways thank you! Love you lots and talk to you soon!



- Elder Decker



P.S.​Transfers are I'm not moving. We also get Sisters back here. 

7-29-18 Samut Sakhon


Hey there Dad!



The​ firepit looks nice. The house looks a lot different since I have left... For sure.



This​ week has been... Fairly uneventful. We had a switch off though so that was pretty cool. We found a lot of new investigators all in that one day. Way cool, and way exciting! I was with the District Leader Elder Ellsworth. He's also from Washington, though he's on the Eastside. He also went to the Eason Invitstional in Yakima in track, so we're already pretty สนิท👍👌.



Other​wise we had our interviews with President Hammond the other day as well, which was a lot of fun. We got to know him a little better, and him, us. But he's a lot different from President Johnson, as I expected. But I know that they're both inspired for sure.



One thing that I've learned this past week is the role of the Holy Ghost.​We've been trying to really focus on helping our investigators recognize and understand the Holy Ghost.​ It's tough even for us. But somethings that I have learned are:



The Spirit sanctifies us and when we feel the Spirit, we know we are clean, we are worthy. The Spirit does not dwell in unholy tabernacles, so when we feel the Spirit, mostly in our day to day activities (praying, studying the Scriptures, inviting, at home, work, or school), we know that the Lord is with us.



In another thought is this: think about a time that the Spirit wasn't with you. Compare that time with now. Do you feel the Spirit when you take the Sacrament? When you watch general conference. And then decide if you are feeling the Spirit.



Elder​ Ted R. Callister said it this way:



"When I served as mission president, missionaries often asked these two questions: (1) How do I know when I am forgiven of my sins? and (2) If I am forgiven, why do I still feel guilt?

   When asked those questions, I usually responded by saying, “If you feel the Spirit—when you pray, read the scriptures, teach, testify, or at any other time—then that is your witness that you have been forgiven or, alternatively, that the cleansing process is taking place, for the Spirit cannot dwell in an unholy tabernacle” (see Alma 7:21). In most cases the cleansing process takes time because our change of heart takes time, but in the interim, we can proceed with the confidence that God approves of our progress as manifested by the presence of His Spirit."



This is in the Liahona so I can't dispute this one. 



Well then what about our investigators? Then can certainly receive a witness about the truth but they need to understand what entails by following that witness. It will tell them that this is a good thing, that it is the right path, but not necessarily help them learn as much as what a member of the Church would. (Think about the Isaiah Chapters in the Book of Mormon, how could anyone understand them without the Spirit?). It will make them feel good, but only give receiving and confirmation of the things that they read are true. They can feel the influence but they are not entitled to the Gift of the Spirit.



I have felt the Spirit guide to strange paths to find a new investigator, to help someone, to pray, to ask a certain question, to bear my testimony with power. I feel like I have gained a small understanding of what it means to have the Spirit to be with me always. It doesn't feel hollow, or bad, or sad, but comforts, feels joyful, and feels like light within your soul. The Spirit will confirm to you about its presence in your life if you seek diligently. It will guide your every step, even if you're not conscious of it. I know the Spirit has been guiding me or I don't think we could have seen so many miracles in my mission. I love the Lord. The Lord is good. The Lord is merciful, but also just. Be worthy, and reap those rewards, or follow an unworthy path, and reap the wages of the one who we follow.



I know that God loves us. The Spirit will always guide us as we try our absolute best to be perfect. I know the Jesus Christ died for our sins, and we can be clean and have the Spirit to be with us because of Him. I love this Church, I love Thailand. The Lord has been so good to me. I pray that everyone I ever knew could come unto the Gospel, but all in the Lord's time. 



Love you lots! Keep fighting and keep going! Have fun and be safe!



- Elder Collin Decker