The Wave

My heart is full this morning... for those who have watched General Conference.. you know what I'm talking about...

This morning, the Zone Leaders called us around 5am.. informing us that PRESIDENT MONSON ANNOUNCED FOR THAILAND TO HAVE A TEMPLE!!

We were struck... We couldn't help but get on our knees and thank our Father in Heaven for granting us this miracle. Despite how much I love Conference... I remember how devastated I was last conference when President Monson announced that the church won't be announcing plans of building any new Temples until the ones currently in construction are finished. Dang, I love continued revelation!! :) For my awesome non-LDS friends, I added some links that'll explain what I'm talking about...

So this morning.. I had some time to review my last year as a representative of Christ... All the contacting, teaching, testifying...all the efforts... it all was worth it. Visiting less-actives with members, conducting Family History firesides, speaking in front of schools and congregations, being rejected when inviting off the streets, testifying to those who are withering in faith, praying for more faith, searching for deeper understanding, pleading for miracles...All of it... it was all worth it. The prayers of the faithful members were answered. There are so many names of the passed that are just waiting... waiting for their Thai descendants to take their names to the Holy Temple of God. 

This is just purely amazing...

Without a doubt, this past year was the hardest year of my life. But I can also say that it was the most rewarding and faith-building year of my life. I love being a missionary. I know Christ lives... I am a witness, and I cannot deny of it. His work is pressing forward like a giant wave. It's powerful, and it's got the momentum. With the new announcement of the Temple, it will only get bigger and stronger. I am so grateful to be here. Our Mission President, Pres. Senior talked about this era being the new era! Never has missionary work been carried out in such a pace as it is right now. I think about the people that I've taught... who are preparing themselves to serve missions. They're the light of Thailand. 

There's so much more to do now that we'll be having a Temple in the next 2 or 3 years. There are seriously so much more to do now. I absolutely love it.

Love you all

Elder Takeuchi

What are Temples?

http://www.mormon.org/faq/use-of-temples

What is Continued Revelation?

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/modern-prophets-and-continuing-revelation

Glorious moment of the Announcement!! (2:30)

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2015/04?lang=eng&vid=4154717513001

New Area - สมุทรปราการ!!

Friends, family, fellow missionaries..  I miss you guys all!!
Short entry, with a lot of photos today :)
Love you all!

One of my goals - 3/30/15

As missionaries, we have to write to the Mission President every week on P-Day, also known as Preparation Day. It's a day when we do our shopping, cleaning, emailing with family/friends, and touring if possible. This is an excerpt from my email to President Senior today. I felt that it expresses my thoughts and desires pretty clearly. President Senior will be released from his service this upcoming July. The man was revolutionary for the work in Thailand. I love him, and I usually don't write much in the weekly emails, but I took some time to write him a few thoughts..
Actually, I'll just copy+paste because we have to leave the internet cafe already. Today, we're going to visit some "vampire bats" as explained by the members here... and playing with monkeys by the beach!

President Senior,

Thank you for the training!! Here are my thoughts from this past week
Because He Lives Initiative

- Inviting... we're focusing on Christ more than ever... I absolutely love it.- Pumping up the members, even investigators by teaching and testifying of His Atonement and Resurrection!! 
Balanced Districts- Seriously President, this new district unity deal is so much better than before. I'm looking forward for the results that it'll produce
How are the members here doing?- Many of the members are going to the Temple next week, so they're making sure their family history work is all set! - Lack of priesthood holders creates a challenge for us to teach female investigators... (Especially worried after July when B. Thay leaves for his mission) We're even calling in members from Chonburi to help us teach investigators in their homes because we're desperate for priesthood holders..) but, we've also seen that the Lord prepares a way every time!

So from our interview from Zone Conference... there was one thing that I wasn't able to share with you. I hope I can clearly explain my feelings here... It was just too difficult for me to share it then. 
So... I just hit my one year mark not too long ago... and I constantly try to ponder to myself... "Am I doing everything that the Lord wants me to do?" On the front page of my PMG, I have a list of things that I expect to be fulfilled by the time I finish my ministry in Thailand.
For example, I would like godly characteristics such as charity and love.. incorporated into my character. I want to look back and be able to say to myself (and the Lord), that I have no regrets.. that I did my best. So I have this list... and I reflect upon it frequently as a reminder for me as a missionary.
There's one thing in particular that I'd like to share with you today. During transfer meetings, you always have a segment for the จบing missionaries. You talk about each one, and share a thought or experience or two. Then at the end, you quote the Lord, and when you quote that sentence.. it just gets me every time. Matthew 25:21 "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" In essence, when you say that short sentence to those honorable missionaries, I see you representing the Lord.
Even typing this gets to my tear ducts... Whenever I hear you say this to the finishing missionaries, I think to myself... "After my ministry is over in Thailand, will the Lord be able to say this to me?" This is one of my personal goals... President, to have the Lord be able to say that to me after my ministry in Thailand. I can't explain how special I hold this goal. 
I really want to do my best. I really want to do to everything so that He can tell me, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Much Mahalos, 
Elder Takeuchi

Did I also mention that I was transferred into a new area? I'm in the province south of Bangkok, called Samut Prakaan. It's right next to the beach, and it really reminds me of my greenie area because how small the ward is. We also congregate in a 4-story rental building. This will be my fourth area, and I absolutely love it. (For Thailand missionaries, I have escaped the Bangkok once again!!) Escaping the Bangkok refers to not serving in a Bangkok although about half of the branches and wards belong it Bangkok. To which, I'm happy. I prefer the country :) So anyway, there's sooooo much work to do here in Samuts!
I love being a missionary. I've never been so passionate about missionary work until I came out in the field. I testify that Christ lives. We owe everything to Him. During this easter season, I'm so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Have everyone seen the new video yet? I heard that the church bought the front page of youtube for Easter Sunday.

Elder Takeuchi

Because He Lives
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZqTRSVA1YA
Thai version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wRhGWJzYhU

"I'm going to be a trainer!"

วันที่ผมอ่อนแอทางจิตใจที่สุดในชีวิต - 1/13/2015

"On the day that I was suffering the most spiritually ever in my life... a young man walked up to me and asked, "Would you like to go to church?"" 

This is how Brother Thee began to bear his testimony at his Baptismal service... He continued..."Looking back now... I would have never thought that I would become a Christian... 

God never really had a part in my life... until I noticed that He actually did. I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that gave me answers to questions that were never answered before."

I met Brother Thee at Big C (Thailand's version of Wal-Mart) on Friday, the 19th of December. I remember it was a long day as we street contacted for most of the day. I had just moved into Sisaket, and there were no investigators that were preparing themselves to be baptized. He was the only contact I received that day... and was so surprised to see him at church when Sunday rolled around. Through the discussions, Elder Mitchell and I were amazed by his deep interest to learn everything that he can about the Gospel. He was baptized yesterday, by President Gidjaa. 

Update 1/26 - Brother Thee is the man! He is helping our investigators so much in teaching ,and being their best friend. He has already become an indispensable member of the Sisaket Branch!

I'm TRAINING!!!! - 1/22/2015

So... President called this morning... wants Elder Mitchell and I to be in Bangkok first thing in the morning... BECAUSE I'LL BE TRAINING!!! 

I just can't express how long I've been waiting to train! I'm almost about to hit my year mark as a missionary (about 10 months in country), and I wanted to train before my trainer died (finish his mission). Btw, I love my trainer!!

Update 1/26 - My trainee's name is Elder Gawin...  He's full Thai, but he was half-raised in Orem, UT.. so his English is fluent!

The only thing is that... he still hasn't come into country.. He got stuck with his visas... therefore couldn't leave the US... I'll be seeing him TOMORROW!!!

BAPTISM!! - 1/25/2015

Sister Fon was baptized today!! So this is a good time to explain a little bit of how we find people to be baptized... Everyday, we go out to the streets, shopping centers, parks, everywhere that we find people... we go up to everyone, and ask them if they are interested in going to church, being baptized... whatever the Spirit prompts us to say in behalf of Christ Himself... While Elder Mitchell and I were contacting one day, she approached us, to learn about what Christ taught.. She later explained to us that she really wasn't so familiar with Christianity... however, she had a prompting to talk to us, and look at her now.. BAPTIZED!! *Follow the promptings of the Spirit!! :)

She comes from a difficult background, and it sure wasn't an easy task for her to be baptized. However, her testimony in Christ is powerful, and I'm grateful that I was part of her conversion story. There is no greater feeling than to see the change in someone's life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As President Senior says, "The harvest is His... We have the joy of working for Him." 

I love being a missionary. I love it. I love speaking Thai, eating Thai food, I love the Thai people. I love the branch that I am serving in so much. I've loved every area (only on my third one so far), and it's been going amazing! This is truly God's Army, and I appreciate my families and friends for supporting me :)

Serving a mission is the best. Huge shout out to Ipo!! for he's about to enter the mission field in SAMOA!! Go kill em with Isaiah! 

I love you all, and I am so sorry that I suck at returning letters! Please shew me thy tender mercy by shooting me an email so I can at least email you back :)

Email: lindsey.takeuchi@myldsmail.net

Address: 

Elder Takeuchi

Thailand Bangkok Mission 

1645/6 New Phetchburi Road

Makkasan. Ratchathewi

Bangkok 10400

This was Unexpected..

1/1/15

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! So sorry I've been gone for so long :) I have missionary friends that somehow send blog entries every week... I wish I had the determination to do as they do... but ah, I'm okay with this pace of once a month or so...

Sooooo third area folks!! Definitely wanted to stay in Ubon longer than two transfers (twelve weeks), but the AWESOME members and especially recent converts of mine are still in my daily prayers!!

At the time when we received our transfer calls, I was very nervous for my next area because I pretty much accepted that I would be sent to Bangkok... First of all, there is nothing wrong with serving in Bangkok... but it's just that I love the country so much!! The countryside is so beautiful here. I was so blessed to be a greenie in Chiang-Rai (Northern babies maan!), then serving in Ubon which is right next to Laos. 

So the funny thing is… I was transferred to ศรีสะเกด (Sisaket), which is only the next province over from Ubon. Sisaket is even more country compared to Ubon!! Prior to coming to Sisaket, here are the two things that I heard about Sisaket

1.   1. The branch is the strongest if not, the second second strongest branch in Thailand.

2.    2. Therefore, many missionaries are born (trained) here… Most missionaries get called here to be trained… or to be a trainer! 

I was overjoyed when I saw my name and photo pop up under Sisaket Elders!! I was so stoked that I couldn’t even concentrate on how the rest of the transfers went. My trainer and I were celebrating the fact that I have a really good chance of training this next transfer. What makes it even better is that my trainer, Elder Calderon was born in Sisaket.

My current companion is Elder Connor Mitchell, from Payson, UT! He just finished his greenie transfer (two transfers) in Sisaket, and is staying for his third. Just in a few words… I would explain him as consecrated, diligent, definitely outgoing, and is down to get some baptisms!

I’ve only been here a little while.. but I can tell the branch here is truly powerful! A new branch president was called because the previous branch president and his wife became senior missionaries, and went to serve in an area called Udorn. The new branch president is only about two years old as a member, but him and his family are indispensable members of this branch!  President Somsak and his wife just barely came back from the Temple in Hong Kong!

Bottom line... I absolutely love it here. There is a great balance of long-time members (10, 15+ years) who have long protected this branch, and due to the recent explosion in missionary work, a lot of new members. There is no better time than to be part of the work here in Sisket!!

Currently, Elder Mitchell and I are working on several families towards baptism! We have one scheduled for this coming Sunday with Brother ที (Thee), whom we street contacted at Big C (equivalent of Wal-mart in Thailand)

The field is definitely white, already to harvest. It’s amazing being a missionary at this time in life. I love my mission, and I am so grateful for being able to serve in a blessed area like Sisaket!

I apologize to all of my families and friends who have been sending me cards and letters… only to receive NO REPLY…. I’m so sorry!!!!! I’m losing a lot of “Nephew points” for forgetting to respond to emails, cards, and letters! For example… I just found a few birthday cards that my family and friends sent me back in October… I felt terrible for not knowing until now… 

Being a missionary is the best! Love you all!!

Elder Takeuchi

How we go tracting! 

I'm telling you, it's the best mission!

Monks buying lottery tickets

This guy bought us pizza! 

Loving It!

Heeey Everyone!!

So I've been thinking for a long time on what to write today... I thought about a few miracles that we witnessed this past week... Or it'll be awesome to share a few stories behind our recent converts... And of course I always love to brag about how amazing the members are here...

But at the end of it all, I decided that I'll take this time to testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is my testimony. With all soberness, I declare this to the world; to all of my family members, friends, even classmates from high school that don't remember me as a preacher of religion... that Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of God, and only through Him, can we be with our God again!

The Prophet, Alma taught... "no unclean thing can inherit the Kingdom of Heaven" God, our Heavenly Father desires for us to return to Him, the Kingdom of God is surely not something that is easily attainable... We have to meet His standard. . Heaven would not be Heaven for those who chose not to live Heavenly. God knows we can't accomplish this by ourselves. Therefore, He prepared a way for us... through Christ, who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem His people. To redeem is to ransom, to free or rescue by paying a price, to free from the consequences. I am truly thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and as a missionary in the awesome Thailand Bangkok Mission, I simply extend the invitation that Jesus gave... for all of us toFollow Him. 

I am so stoked for this month!! I can't believe it's almost the end of another year! Right now, our Mission is on fire!! Especially my Ubon zone!! This is my second transfer in Ubon, and I just want to stay here to contribute to the exciting work that is taking place!!

Also a big shout out to Kuuipo, who got his mission call to the Samoa, Apia Mission!!! Waaaaaaaay stoked for this guy as he serves with my bro, Isaiah!

I am happy more than ever. I'm also proud of my older sister, Ashley who is in the Ohio, Cleveland Mission  now!!! :D This is just so awesome. I love being in Thailand. I love the language, the people, the food (even though it is wrecking my digestive tracks), and just everything about this work. We're working hard. All of us are. Everywhere we go, at every opportunity, we invite them to church, to be baptized, and be changed forever! It's not that easy... when about 99.8% of people reject the message you carry... but the people are there. There are people ready, and we know when we meet them! I'm so glad to be a missionary. I'm so grateful for my parents, who endured my stubbornness with love. That is all I have for today! Transfer meeting is coming up in two weeks, and everybody thinks I'll be a trainer next transfer! I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm just excited for each and every day!!

Love you all,

Elder Takeuchi


 

Brother แบงค์baptizing Sister จ๋า

อุบล BAPTISMS!!

Candid Shots by Sister Maughn

Lord of the Snakes

After a long day...

Small tribute to my comp, Elder Hinkson from Orem, UT

Ubon Sisters maaaan

Brother เอิบ treated us แพง Italian!

9 Missionaries in 1 Branch!!

หลับตลอด

Brother นัด baptizing Sister นกยูง

This guy is in Butma now...

Brother มี

Seven Eleven promotions...

Chicken Feet