Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Article of Faith 7
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Off to the jungle...
Besides, Elder Tiffany wanted to see if he could go again and not fall into a muddy hole... We did not get rain for about 10 days so it was pretty dry and safe for hiking.
The muddy bog that claimed his pride and a good white shirt.
Springtime always brings Easter, and Easter turns our minds to Jesus Christ, our Savior.
When He was born, He was called Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. But He also was Immanuel (Isa. 7:14), meaning “God with us.”
He died on the cross to atone for the sins of all who will obey Him, and He broke the bands of death to provide a resurrection for us all.
Easter means Christ—the resurrected Christ, the Son of God, our Creator and our Redeemer.
And so, on this Easter Sabbath, we bear testimony of the Redeemer of the world, He who was born the Only Begotten of the Father, He who went about doing good in the exercise of His divine power, He who died on Calvary’s hill, and He who rose to become the first fruits of the Resurrection. We testify to the truth of the words of the Apostles and other witnesses of old. We further confirm the truth of the testimony of the great seer and revelator of this dispensation, the Prophet Joseph Smith, who 168 years ago gave his life as a witness of the Risen Redeemer. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, we give our personal testimony that He who was slain on Calvary’s hill rose from the dead, our Savior, whose sacrifice made possible the gift of eternal life to all who will keep His commandments. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, amen.
He died on the cross to atone for the sins of all who will obey Him, and He broke the bands of death to provide a resurrection for us all.
And so, on this Easter Sabbath, we bear testimony of the Redeemer of the world, He who was born the Only Begotten of the Father, He who went about doing good in the exercise of His divine power, He who died on Calvary’s hill, and He who rose to become the first fruits of the Resurrection. We testify to the truth of the words of the Apostles and other witnesses of old. We further confirm the truth of the testimony of the great seer and revelator of this dispensation, the Prophet Joseph Smith, who 168 years ago gave his life as a witness of the Risen Redeemer. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, we give our personal testimony that He who was slain on Calvary’s hill rose from the dead, our Savior, whose sacrifice made possible the gift of eternal life to all who will keep His commandments. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, amen.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Moving on up to the West Side
We have made the move to our new location and we had a lot of help. With the strength of the Lord and the willingness of his servants we were able to lift that barge and tow that bale, along with a lot of "stuff" we acquired since we got here.
It's a true blessing to be serving with fine young men who willingly sacrifice 2 years of their lives to serve the Lord and these people and the chinaps that need their muscle.
This is our new home and location here in the borough of Moen, Chuuk! At last, at last, our eyes have seen the glory of an undusted homestead.
The view from our front door!!
It's a true blessing to be serving with fine young men who willingly sacrifice 2 years of their lives to serve the Lord and these people and the chinaps that need their muscle.
This is our new home and location here in the borough of Moen, Chuuk! At last, at last, our eyes have seen the glory of an undusted homestead.
The view from our front door!!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
~Life is a test; trials are opportunities to show that you will be faithful~
Truly the work here is going forward inspite of the many challenges that have been coming our way. On Monday our Zone leaders came home from Guam and they had lost the keys to the truck, church and apartment. We were there to greet them and as we all know here on Chuuk... sometimes things change really fast so you must be prepared.(boy scout motto)
Change of plans! Knowing that these things happen, you can prepare for them and, therefore, endure them better. We gathered them up, feed them dinner, traded our car for Dr. Archibald's truck so they would have a vehicle to drive. We wouldn't need one until Tuesday afternoon because we were going to be visiting the outer islands doing GPS.
We were told we would be taking the big boat with our boat driver Esmate. I jokingly said the fugitives ride again you see it has been 2 weeks since our boat incident and things are now in the courts (or at least we hope)we are not aloud to go out to that island yet. GOOD NEWS we did not have to take the big boat we took the small boat for the day. :)
After coming in from the islands Sister Tiffany didn't feel well. She started taking a Zpack that our neighborhood doctor Ed from the states prescribed (what a lifesaver he is) the last few days of feeling a little ill, she is doing great now and ready to get on with the work.
We have several Elders that have medical problems but we are praying and hoping everyone will regain good health. To gain strength in our struggles, we must have a positive perspective of the principles in the plan of salvation. We must realize that we have a personal Savior whom we can trust and turn to in our times of need. We must also learn and live the principles that the Lord has given to receive the strength needed during our struggles.
We will move on Monday to our new apartment on the otherside of the island. All 13 Elders will be here to help us. Did I tell you how much we love these Elders and what great young men they are :)
BERTA'S FIRST FLAT TIRE and THATS A MIRACLE SINCE ARE ROADS HERE IN CHUUK HAVE MANY CHUUKHOLES... Elder Shakespear helping with the tire.
We haven't had rain for about a week so right now it is very hot and dusty. Not a good day for a flat tire. Elder Tiffany had an appointment within 20 minutes would he make it?
YES with the help of good Chuukese men, Elders and The Good Lords help we were able to get him there on time, feed the Zone Leaders and repair the tire. We then received a phone call from Guam, package with a key that may work in the Zone leaders truck? We said a prayer together and sure enough the key worked...
“When the burdens of life become heavy, when trials test one’s faith, when pain, sorrow, and despair cause the light of hope to flicker and burn low, communication with our Heavenly Father provides peace.”
Change of plans! Knowing that these things happen, you can prepare for them and, therefore, endure them better. We gathered them up, feed them dinner, traded our car for Dr. Archibald's truck so they would have a vehicle to drive. We wouldn't need one until Tuesday afternoon because we were going to be visiting the outer islands doing GPS.
We will move on Monday to our new apartment on the otherside of the island. All 13 Elders will be here to help us. Did I tell you how much we love these Elders and what great young men they are :)
YES with the help of good Chuukese men, Elders and The Good Lords help we were able to get him there on time, feed the Zone Leaders and repair the tire. We then received a phone call from Guam, package with a key that may work in the Zone leaders truck? We said a prayer together and sure enough the key worked...
“When the burdens of life become heavy, when trials test one’s faith, when pain, sorrow, and despair cause the light of hope to flicker and burn low, communication with our Heavenly Father provides peace.”
~The Chuukese drive thru "J Square Fast food~
This is our version of KFC, Der Wienerschnitzel, Wendy's and Panda Express... Many have asked and a few have wondered "what is it that you eat there"?
They have yummy fried chicken thighs and legs, we would like it better if it was chicken breast, but it is still very tasty. They also sell a variety of local foods but we like the spaghetti, garlic rice, cookies and salads. Also, they sell locally grown fresh fruits. Most all dishes cost $1-2 dollars each and this place is very popular. Almost as busy as In/Out Burger or Dairy Queen in Centerville. :)
They have yummy fried chicken thighs and legs, we would like it better if it was chicken breast, but it is still very tasty. They also sell a variety of local foods but we like the spaghetti, garlic rice, cookies and salads. Also, they sell locally grown fresh fruits. Most all dishes cost $1-2 dollars each and this place is very popular. Almost as busy as In/Out Burger or Dairy Queen in Centerville. :)
Articles of Faith 6
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
We had to say goodbye to Elder Blaser :(
We had to say goodbye to one of our Elders that got an infection in his thumb from a blister. Elder Blaser was put in the hospital here in Chuuk for 2 days for treatment and surgery on his thumb. Our island missionary, Dr. Archibald from SLC, Utah, had to do a couple of surgeries. The conditions here on our island are bad, the bacteria is different from what we are all used to in the states. After two days Dr. Archibald said we needed to send him to Guam to avoid Streptococcus or Staphylococcus.
Elder Blaser giving the Chuukese sign trying to keep his spirits up.
This Zone is very strong and supportive of each other. This has been a tough week on everyone.
Here are the Zone Leaders Elder Butler, Elder Johnson, Elder Blaser his companion Elder Lapeyrouse, and Elder Tiffany
Sister Tiffany telling Elder Blaser goodbye.
Inspite of this difficult situation the Lord does watch over his servants. The Lord stands ready to help us through our struggles. We have His assurance and His promise that He will be there to assist us in the days of our difficulty: When Elder Blaser arrived in Guam a hand specialist had just arrived the day before. They were able to get him in for another surgery. He was very blessed to have this specialist there. They found gangreen and they had to get it all cleaned out to save his thumb. The Savior knows all things past, present, and future. Jacob taught, “For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it” (2 Ne. 9:20). He knows the things that we stand in need of even before we ask (see 3 Ne. 13:8).
Elder Blaser is now recouperating in Guam and will be arriving back in the states on April 11th. We wish him the best of luck and hope to see him again when we get home.
Here are the Zone Leaders Elder Butler, Elder Johnson, Elder Blaser his companion Elder Lapeyrouse, and Elder Tiffany
Inspite of this difficult situation the Lord does watch over his servants. The Lord stands ready to help us through our struggles. We have His assurance and His promise that He will be there to assist us in the days of our difficulty: When Elder Blaser arrived in Guam a hand specialist had just arrived the day before. They were able to get him in for another surgery. He was very blessed to have this specialist there. They found gangreen and they had to get it all cleaned out to save his thumb. The Savior knows all things past, present, and future. Jacob taught, “For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it” (2 Ne. 9:20). He knows the things that we stand in need of even before we ask (see 3 Ne. 13:8).
Elder Blaser is now recouperating in Guam and will be arriving back in the states on April 11th. We wish him the best of luck and hope to see him again when we get home.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Visiting with the Joseph Family
When we were out doing the GSP work, we stopped by to ask President Joseph for his help. He is 1st counselor to the District President.
They were busy working in the yard and happy we stopped by so they could take a break. They don't have many weed eaters here on the island, when they cut grass, weeds etc., they use a BIG knife like the one Sister Joseph is holding.
Sister Tiffany with Sister Joseph AND a great BIG knife...
President Joseph preparing Coconuts to drink
The group enjoying the meat inside the coconut after drinking them. Even the puppy, kitty and Rooster like eating fresh coconut.
Go Elder Tiffany, go Slam it!
Throw the ball President, throw the ball...
What a fun afternoon. We enjoyed drinking fresh coconuts and visiting > the mix game of baseball, football and dodgeball for the men was a good workout but they had a lot of fun. We truly love the Joseph Family.
They were busy working in the yard and happy we stopped by so they could take a break. They don't have many weed eaters here on the island, when they cut grass, weeds etc., they use a BIG knife like the one Sister Joseph is holding.
What a fun afternoon. We enjoyed drinking fresh coconuts and visiting > the mix game of baseball, football and dodgeball for the men was a good workout but they had a lot of fun. We truly love the Joseph Family.
Articles of Faith 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.
President of the Church
President Thomas S. Monson has served as the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since February 3, 2008. He had served as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church since November 10, 1985. Most recently, on March 12, 1995, he was set apart as First Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley. Prior to that, on June 5, 1994, he was called as Second Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter, and on November 10, 1985, as Second Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson. He was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 4, 1963, and ordained an Apostle on October 10, 1963, at the age of 36.
Born in Salt Lake City, on August 21, 1927, President Monson is a son of G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson. He attended Salt Lake City public schools and graduated cum laude from the University of Utah in 1948, receiving a degree in business management. He did graduate work and served as a member of the College of Business faculty at the University of Utah. He later received his MBA degree from Brigham Young University. In April 1981, Brigham Young University conferred upon President Monson the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. He was given the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters by Salt Lake Community College in June 1996. He received the Honorary Doctor of Business from the University of Utah in May 2007. In May 2009 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Communication from Utah Valley University and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Southern Utah University. In April 2010 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Weber State University. In May 2011 he received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Dixie State College of Utah. He is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, an honorary business fraternity.
President Henry B. Eyring was named First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3 February 2008. Previously, he had served as Second Counselor in the First Presidency to President Gordon B. Hinckley since 6 October 2007. He was named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 April 1995, having previously served as a member of the Seventy since 3 October 1992.
Born in Princeton, New Jersey, 31 May 1933, he has served the Church as a regional representative, a member of the general Sunday School board and a bishop.
President Eyring is married to the former Kathleen Johnson, and they are the parents of four sons and two daughters.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf was called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 3, 2008. He was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 2, 2004. He has served as a General Authority since April 1994, and served as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy from August 2002 until his call to the Twelve.
President Uchtdorf was born on November 6, 1940 in then Mährisch-Ostrau, Czechoslovakia, to Karl Albert and Hildegard Else Opelt Uchtdorf. He was raised in Zwickau, Germany, where his family joined the Church in 1947.
President Thomas S. Monson has served as the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since February 3, 2008. He had served as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church since November 10, 1985. Most recently, on March 12, 1995, he was set apart as First Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley. Prior to that, on June 5, 1994, he was called as Second Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter, and on November 10, 1985, as Second Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson. He was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 4, 1963, and ordained an Apostle on October 10, 1963, at the age of 36.
Born in Salt Lake City, on August 21, 1927, President Monson is a son of G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson. He attended Salt Lake City public schools and graduated cum laude from the University of Utah in 1948, receiving a degree in business management. He did graduate work and served as a member of the College of Business faculty at the University of Utah. He later received his MBA degree from Brigham Young University. In April 1981, Brigham Young University conferred upon President Monson the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. He was given the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters by Salt Lake Community College in June 1996. He received the Honorary Doctor of Business from the University of Utah in May 2007. In May 2009 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Communication from Utah Valley University and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Southern Utah University. In April 2010 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Weber State University. In May 2011 he received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Dixie State College of Utah. He is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, an honorary business fraternity.
Born in Princeton, New Jersey, 31 May 1933, he has served the Church as a regional representative, a member of the general Sunday School board and a bishop.
President Eyring is married to the former Kathleen Johnson, and they are the parents of four sons and two daughters.
President Uchtdorf was born on November 6, 1940 in then Mährisch-Ostrau, Czechoslovakia, to Karl Albert and Hildegard Else Opelt Uchtdorf. He was raised in Zwickau, Germany, where his family joined the Church in 1947.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Update on the Boat
Apparently the claim to the boat in question, has something of a bogus nature to it. Their claim, we have found, is not exactly up to snuff. The authorities have neglected to get involved for the most part, but that hasn't negated any of the fervor on the part of the crew trying to get it. They have filed a grievance with the local court system but their claim so far remains in the "dead letter file" as far as the Church and the District is concerned. Mission President Meacham has stated that they will not get the boat and they can go to whatever degree they need to.
The mission work advances amid the efforts by the adversary to stop it. We will be back on the island soon to carry on. Our Elders, in the mean time, are there to assist and teach the people.
Elder Malit and Elder Sofele
The mission work advances amid the efforts by the adversary to stop it. We will be back on the island soon to carry on. Our Elders, in the mean time, are there to assist and teach the people.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Things are popping in the Chuuk Zone
Life over in Chuuk is never dull. Back in January at the Seniors couple conference, we all made a goal to reactivate the inactive members.
Chuuk Zone's goal is to reactivate 75 members. We came up with the averages needed from each island throughout the Micronesia mission.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This commandment throbs in the heart of every missionary who testifies of Jesus Christ and teaches His message.
As we have mentioned before, we are doing GPS location here on all the islands in our zone. What that means is, we pull up a list of the people from each branch, And hit the dirt.
“Faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, we hope to qualify for the work.”
We take the Elders from each area with us. This way they can teach and find new investigators. Most of the families are part-member families, so they get a lot of opportunities to teach. We also take the Branch President with us so he can make a contact with each member and that gives him an opportunity to check on them and invite them back to church.
This work is truly inspired from the Lord. As one among the “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world, it is truly wonderful to be part of this work. “Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.” We have come to appreciate that promise very much.
The first branch that we did the GPS location in, has now opened with Missionaries there and it is flourishing. The Missionaries had not been in this branch for a number of years when we started there and they were only getting about 10 people attending each week. Now they are getting over 40. They already had one baptism this week and have four more scheduled this coming week. They taught 45 lessons last week and we are so proud of them. New callings are being extented now to others and we are starting a Temple Prep class this week. It is truly exciting to see the work move forward here.
Elders Jones and Valinotti with newly baptized members.
“This is my gospel,” He said, “… for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do.” Thus, faith; repentance; baptism by water, fire, and of the Holy Ghost; the gathering of the elect; and enduring to the end are all part of the gospel. All of us can emulate the Lord’s example, regardless of age, status, or location.
Chuuk Zone's goal is to reactivate 75 members. We came up with the averages needed from each island throughout the Micronesia mission.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This commandment throbs in the heart of every missionary who testifies of Jesus Christ and teaches His message.
As we have mentioned before, we are doing GPS location here on all the islands in our zone. What that means is, we pull up a list of the people from each branch, And hit the dirt.
“Faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, we hope to qualify for the work.”
We take the Elders from each area with us. This way they can teach and find new investigators. Most of the families are part-member families, so they get a lot of opportunities to teach. We also take the Branch President with us so he can make a contact with each member and that gives him an opportunity to check on them and invite them back to church.
This work is truly inspired from the Lord. As one among the “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world, it is truly wonderful to be part of this work. “Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.” We have come to appreciate that promise very much.
The first branch that we did the GPS location in, has now opened with Missionaries there and it is flourishing. The Missionaries had not been in this branch for a number of years when we started there and they were only getting about 10 people attending each week. Now they are getting over 40. They already had one baptism this week and have four more scheduled this coming week. They taught 45 lessons last week and we are so proud of them. New callings are being extented now to others and we are starting a Temple Prep class this week. It is truly exciting to see the work move forward here.
“This is my gospel,” He said, “… for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do.” Thus, faith; repentance; baptism by water, fire, and of the Holy Ghost; the gathering of the elect; and enduring to the end are all part of the gospel. All of us can emulate the Lord’s example, regardless of age, status, or location.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Blessings of Sisterhood
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says, “The Relief Society has great significance for every member of the Church. All of us have been blessed through the example and service of its members.”
Elder Ballard then says that a woman who knows her identity as a daughter of God can have great influence. He says, “Every sister who stands for truth and righteousness diminishes the influence of evil. Every sister who strengthens and protects her family is doing the work of God. Every sister who lives as a woman of God becomes a beacon for others to follow and plants seeds of righteous influence that will be harvested for decades to come. Every sister who makes and keeps sacred covenants becomes an instrument in the hands of God.”
Sister Archibald, Sister Oriko, Sister Tiffany and Sister Merina
RS President Sister Marsine Joseph
“My dear sisters, we believe in you,” says Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “We believe in and are counting on your goodness and your strength, your propensity for virtue and valor, your kindness and courage, your strength and resilience. We believe in your mission as women of God. We realize that you are the emotional (and sometimes spiritual) glue that holds families and often ward families together. We believe that the Church simply will not accomplish what it must without your faith and faithfulness, your innate tendency to put the well-being of others ahead of your own, and your spiritual strength and tenacity. And we believe that God’s plan is for you to become queens and to receive the highest blessings any woman can receive in time or eternity. . . . Never lose your precious identity by doing anything that would jeopardize the promised eternal future your Heavenly Father has provided for you.”Elder Ballard then says that a woman who knows her identity as a daughter of God can have great influence. He says, “Every sister who stands for truth and righteousness diminishes the influence of evil. Every sister who strengthens and protects her family is doing the work of God. Every sister who lives as a woman of God becomes a beacon for others to follow and plants seeds of righteous influence that will be harvested for decades to come. Every sister who makes and keeps sacred covenants becomes an instrument in the hands of God.”
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Only in Chuuk > held for ransom...
Today we were out doing GPS locations on one of the outer islands called "Patta". What a beautiful island. The church has a small boat that we normally take out there. It is about 50 miles away. The larger boat has been broken down, but now it is fixed so we took it.
We arrived at Patta, met up with the Branch President and he took us through the mangroves to the church to meet with the Elders. The big boat won't fit through there.
We made a plan with the Elders and then headed back to the big boat to go around to the other side of the island.
When we landed we shared some coconuts for energy, then planned to return to the dock by 3pm to head back.
The day started out amazing, everywhere we went we were greeted by a lot of smiling happy people. They make you feel like you’re a celebrity, they are so happy to see us, even the small children.
We met with the member in this village we were hoping to see today and he led us to his home on the beach.
Anytime you enter a home here you first have to be invited in and then you take off your shoes. They don’t have furniture and normally the floors are made of wood. Sometimes they have tile or linoleum but generally not. His sister was there and she joined us. She is not a member, nor is his wife or some of his children which are living on another island. He holds the Melchizedek Priesthood which is really exciting because we don't have many on this island.
While we were there he asked us why we came. We shared our testimonies with him that we knew The Gospel was true, that Our Father in Heaven knows us and loves us all.
That true happiness comes from following Christ’s example and developing Christlike attributes such as obedience, goodness, honesty, gratitude, humility, love, charity, and forgiveness. It comes from serving others and helping them to follow Jesus Christ. It comes from controlling the appetites of our human bodies and following the promptings of the Spirit. It comes from working hard and having a healthy lifestyle, friends, family, and personal achievements.
He is always watching over us and will never leave us if we do our part to live worthy to receive his blessings.
Regardless of what you do or don’t have in this life, your deepest, most lasting happiness will come from knowing God’s plan and following it. One ancient prophet put it this way:
“I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.”
Elder Tiffany then invited him to come join us for the day to go out and find other members in the area. He was very happy and came along and guided us to some of the other members in the village.
We talked to this man and his family. He had been baptized many years ago but then had moved to this island and become inactive. He was very moved that we had found him and told us about how he remembered how he felt when he joined the Church. The spirit was quite strong and the missionaries made plans to teach his wife and children. They are very excited.
While there however an American lady who is married to a Chuukese man came up and told us that our boat driver had violated a law and when they went to talk to him he sped off and we were now stranded without a ride. We were summoned to come and talk to the local officials. Sounded a bit strange but after collecting information we went to their house and spoke to them. Our Missionary who has been here for 22 months took the lead, he being accomplished in the language. They told us that the boat driver, Esmeit, had dropped his anchor in a restricted area and that they were obliged to then take our boat and hold it until a fine of $3000 was paid. Two weeks they would hold the boat and if the fine was not paid they would keep the boat. Also there would be a fine of an additional $2000 for him fleeing the scene. Problem was the boat was already gone and we were left there. We established that this was an arbitrary settlement on their part but we thanked them for the information and said we would turn it over to our superiors. The Branch President, Sam Roby came around from the other side of the island and picked us up and took us to the next island where we met up with our fugitive boat driver and he whisked us off to our home island, where we immediately put the boat in the boat house and locked it up.
Esmeit, The Fugitive Boatman
Now this is the Lords work and he keeps us in his arms as we go about finding his lost sheep.
The next day the group showed up from that island to seize the boat. Our District President met with them and informed them that while that may have been the custom in the past there were better ways to handle the problem and that they were not obliged to hand over the boat. They however insisted and would not negotiate. They then went to the Police station to get the documents and have the constabulary assist them in procuring the water craft. The Police told them that this was not a matter for them to get involved in and that they would have to take it to court. So at this time the boat remains in the boat house and the fines have not been paid.
We arrived at Patta, met up with the Branch President and he took us through the mangroves to the church to meet with the Elders. The big boat won't fit through there.
The day started out amazing, everywhere we went we were greeted by a lot of smiling happy people. They make you feel like you’re a celebrity, they are so happy to see us, even the small children.
That true happiness comes from following Christ’s example and developing Christlike attributes such as obedience, goodness, honesty, gratitude, humility, love, charity, and forgiveness. It comes from serving others and helping them to follow Jesus Christ. It comes from controlling the appetites of our human bodies and following the promptings of the Spirit. It comes from working hard and having a healthy lifestyle, friends, family, and personal achievements.
He is always watching over us and will never leave us if we do our part to live worthy to receive his blessings.
Regardless of what you do or don’t have in this life, your deepest, most lasting happiness will come from knowing God’s plan and following it. One ancient prophet put it this way:
“I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.”
Elder Tiffany then invited him to come join us for the day to go out and find other members in the area. He was very happy and came along and guided us to some of the other members in the village.
While there however an American lady who is married to a Chuukese man came up and told us that our boat driver had violated a law and when they went to talk to him he sped off and we were now stranded without a ride. We were summoned to come and talk to the local officials. Sounded a bit strange but after collecting information we went to their house and spoke to them. Our Missionary who has been here for 22 months took the lead, he being accomplished in the language. They told us that the boat driver, Esmeit, had dropped his anchor in a restricted area and that they were obliged to then take our boat and hold it until a fine of $3000 was paid. Two weeks they would hold the boat and if the fine was not paid they would keep the boat. Also there would be a fine of an additional $2000 for him fleeing the scene. Problem was the boat was already gone and we were left there. We established that this was an arbitrary settlement on their part but we thanked them for the information and said we would turn it over to our superiors. The Branch President, Sam Roby came around from the other side of the island and picked us up and took us to the next island where we met up with our fugitive boat driver and he whisked us off to our home island, where we immediately put the boat in the boat house and locked it up.
Now this is the Lords work and he keeps us in his arms as we go about finding his lost sheep.
The next day the group showed up from that island to seize the boat. Our District President met with them and informed them that while that may have been the custom in the past there were better ways to handle the problem and that they were not obliged to hand over the boat. They however insisted and would not negotiate. They then went to the Police station to get the documents and have the constabulary assist them in procuring the water craft. The Police told them that this was not a matter for them to get involved in and that they would have to take it to court. So at this time the boat remains in the boat house and the fines have not been paid.
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