The Power of Members (Tavua Area, Week 15)

On the railroad tracks we follow to get to the "Mataniwai" settlement. We were just heading back when we saw the sunset and had some fun.

Boy, Week 15 already? That means I've been gone for over 20 weeks. That's a long time! And it's almost May? What's going on? Where's all this time going?

Great week this week - things are really moving along in Tavua area! I'd like to give a lot of credit to Elder Carlson. He's really emphasized what we call "member-present lessons", or lessons with investigators that have a member of the Church present as well. The point of member-present lessons isn't just to get a number on our weekly goals - the point is to have another witness of what we share is true. Often the members are friends of investigators or people they know, and hearing the testimony of someone like that brings a powerful Spirit into the room. Miracles happen when members come with us to lessons. Here's an example.

This was last week - finding a trail for our District Hike today 

should be good!

This week, we were teaching Losana, a teenage girl who wasn't super-duper interested in the Church or anything. But she accepted the invitation to come to church on Sunday. While at church she realized that one of her childhood friends was a member. Mere, who's one of our best youth members. We decided to bring Mere with us to see Losana this week. In that lesson, we taught about the Plan of Salvation, our Heavenly Father's plan for us as we navigate this life. All of a sudden, she had questions for us and was more interested in our message. At the end of the lesson, we talked about some of the things we have to do in order to find everlasting joy with our Father in Heaven after this life. One of those things is to be baptized by someone holding the proper Priesthood authority of God. We invited Losana to be baptized, and all of a sudden, Mere jumped in and bore her testimony of the truthfulness of this Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Losana, with calm enthusiasm, accepted the invitation to be baptized.

Bishop Tora (the man himself)

To you members of the Church, you are powerful! Go out with the Missionaries from your ward, whether you be young or old! Invite your friends to hear the message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! You can change lives! Be that member missionary!

"There is beauty all around" when Fiji is your home...

Nina didn't get baptized this week, but she will in a few weeks, after the school break is over here. And Anasa finally accepted baptism as well! We've got high hopes for Tavua, things are looking up! I'm doing great, and though it's hard, I know why I'm here. I'm here to bring souls unto Jesus Christ, and "this is my joy" (see Alma 29:9)

Toso meda toso!

Elder Barnaby

We will teach anyone who will listen...

Fun with the companion - our newest investigator, Simoko, Bishop's goat!

Simoko's baptism has yet to be scheduled. We're still teaching the Word of Wisdom, "Thou shalt not eat thy Elder's scriptures"

Got a new watch - $15 because it is "Watea Resist"

(My New England family will understand)