Happy New Year!!

Dear family and friends,

It was a really good week last.  It was packed with Christmas activies and fun.  It was very special.  We went to a church member's house for Christmas Eve.  It was a blast.  We had a traditional Vietnamese meal on the ground with the gas burners keeping the food warm.  I was surprised, but we even had the New Crackers that have done every year since I can remember.  It was fun to carry on this Christmas and New Year tradition on the mission.  

For Christmas, we spent basically the whole day at the church.  We opened up present after taking a brisk walk outside for exercise.  I admit we were all excited.  Haha.  At the church, we had a Christmas lunch with heaps of food.  There was turkey, stuffing, spring rolls, bread rolls, candies, cakes, and basically anything any 20-year-old male would want to eat on Christmas day.  Haha.  Mom, I do admit though I missed your cooking.  No one else can cook like you.  I can't remember the last time, I had an apple pie.  Life is good though.  It is very good.  

After everyone was eatting, I thought maybe we could all play a game, but then of the members recommended to sing Christmas songs.  I lead the singing of Christmas songs for about 2 hours.  That was definitely a total blast.  There were about 20 of us.  We went through essentially of the Christmas songs in the hymn book and then sang even more songs.  I wore a Santa Hat for the entire time.  It was just so much to celebrate Christmas and see the love that others have this season and for Jesus Christ--many of which were celebrating Christmas for the first time.  Seeing the members also the rendition of the Luke reading was also very memorable as well.  I love Christmas and this season.  I probably said Merry Christmas several hundred times last week.  

I am really excited for this new year.  I have been thinking a lot of making new goals and trying to continue to push myself and challenge to continue to try to become.  The gospel of Jesus Christ and this life is truly a time of becoming and learning about ourselves and our relationship with God.  As Christ teaches us in Matthew 5:48 to become perfect even as He is mean I guess I have a very long way to go.  I have seen my trust in God and the Spirit and my recognition of the many ways God is involved in my life grow, but I look forward to this next year.  There are perhaps many things to learn and things we want to do, but I know through patience and dilligence, we will be able to achieve great things.  I know we also rely on Christ and the way He has prepared for for every single one of us.  His enabling power and grace will allow us to do things that are otherwise impossible.  I see this again and again on the mission.  One very apparent blessing to me so far on the mission is health.  We walk a lot, and talk a lot, but don't necessarily get a lot of sleep.  My health on this mission so far surprises me actually.  I would think I would be more tired and have fatigue, but I never felt stronger or more energetic than on this mission.  It is incredible.  This is just one small example of God's enabling power to me.  

I love the mission.  There are some things that are certainly unique to the mission.  For instance, a person who I had talked to a couple weeks prior, saw me from a distance, and yelled for me to come to him.  He wanted a say a prayer with me to ask God for safety.  We said a prayer together.  He then gave me this great hug.  It is a really sweet experience for me.  These are times I feel happiest.

It was fun to talk to you all.  I really enjoyed seeing your faces.  I admit I wish I could've been longer, but I feel that I was able to convey and the share the things that were the most important.  Know, I am doing well.  I really enjoyed talking to you all.  I love you all so much.  Thank you for the kind letters and notes. I loved reading them. 

Elder Shumway

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone,

Chuc Mung Giang Sinh!!  I am so excited for Christmas.  I have enjoyed just saying "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" to everyone we meet.  Even if we don't have any conversation after that, I can see everyones' face become a little brighter.  I was telling "Merry Christmas" to everyone on the escaltor as I was going down, then a person behind me started to do the same.  It was fun to see the "Christmas Spirit" spread.  It is truly contagious.  

It has truly been an awesome last week. We were able to see some miracles in having prayers be answered. The one person that we are teaching with a baptisimal date made a lot of progress this week in gaining personal faith and trust in God. Her grandpa who was close to death is now doing much better, she found work, and renewed contact with a close friend from Vietnam. This makes me feel very happy because I strong believe that as people come to know that God truly is a Loving Heavenly Father, the lessons we teach become so much more powerful and the commandments just make sense. I know we only measure our committment by how dedicated we are serving God, but is so good to see our efforts, and more importantly, the Spirit, change people's lives.
I love this Chirstmas season. We had a Christmas conference on Friday with all the missionaries in Victoria.  It was wonderful time to ponder more about the miracle and circumstance of Christ's birth. As we sang, "The First Noel," I felt the Spirit very strongly.  It was honestly one of the most beautiful sounds that I have ever heard.  I love Christmas music.  I love reading the Christmas story from the scriptures, but the Christmas songs convey a spirit and message that can only be done by music.   I joined the Christmas choir and we sang my favorite Christmas song, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."  All the Elders in the choir got up from the pews and went to the front of the chapel.  I loved it.  

We did some Christmas caroling as well this week.  We set up a table on the street in Footscray and sang Christmas songs in English and Vietnamese.  We didn't have as much success as I would've liked in talked with people, but I do feel we helped some people feel the Christmas spirit.  We also visited some member's home and sang some carols for each of them.  It was an absolute blast.  None of the people knew we were coming, but I could tell they all loved it.  We went to one person's house and he called us about an hour later, expressing how thankful he was that we had come.  I do miss Christmas caroling with the family and packing in tight in the big green van, but it was so much fun.  

We are going to someone's house on Christmas Eve for dinner, but all the missionaries from the branch are going to meet together for Christmas lunch at the church in the city.  We have invited many people from the branch and people that we are teaching, so I am really excited about it.  That night, someone is getting baptized, so it will definitely be a very special day.  

My love for our Savior, Jesus Christ has grown in these past couple months.  I have come also  to know more myself that He has my personal Savior.  I read 2 Nephi 28:32 and love the imagery it gives to me of Jesus Christ.  I know that His hand is literally stretched out to each of us and that He literally wants all of us to follow Him.  I am so grateful for his love that He has shown to each of us.  As Mosiah 14 explains, "he has bourne our griefs" and "carried our sorrows."  He was truly "wounded for our transgressions" and bruised for our iniquities."  I know He has prepared a path for to find a fulness of peace and joy and of everlasting happiness.  I love Him and I know He truly did come to this earth. 

Jonathan

I will call on Thursday between 7:00pm and 7:30pm.  Excited to talk to you.  I got Sarah's email with the skype info.  

Dearest family and friends,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.  I love this time of year.  It is definitely my favorite time of the year.  There is something about this time when people are nicer, kinder, and more loving of other people.  As I think about what I want present to do I want to give to Jesus Christmas for his birthday, I believe those are some of best things I can give.  I have no wealth or knowledge to give because God has given me everything, but as the Christmas Carol, "In the Bleak Midwinter" says, we can give our heart and try to become a little more like the people that we know we need to be.  God certainly sees what we can become, but sometimes, it is a very gradual process, day by day.  But, as President Monson has taught, our decisions will compile and will determine our destiny.  

It was a really good past week working with Elder Pham.  It is fun to see other's talents and gifts, and try to learn from them.  We met with some new people this past week.  We read the first part of D&C 121 with one person yesterday.  I think one of the questions I get the most often on the street or in the lesson is why simple bad things happen if God loves us. I love these verses because it teaches the power of trust and that God truly is on our right hand and left hand (D&C 84:88).  I life is not always easy, but that God provides a way always for us to succeed.  I have certainly seen many prayers be answered, even, in this past week.  God is my greatest friend and is truly one I always talk to.  I know you all are far away, but prayers always make me feel closer to you.  

Life is so good.  I love being a missionary and love being here for this time.  We had a lesson with a person we baptized a couple months ago, with a new person we are teaching.  It was so wonderful to see her bear her testimony and her experience of coming to God for herself.  Mosiah 16:9 is so true.  Love you.  Sorry my letter was so short.  It was fun to see the pictures of the snow in St. Louis. Congrats Anna for graduation.  Good luck to everyone as you all finish the semester.  I know you all can do.  Through God, everything is possible.  Love you so much.

your brother, son, gradson and friend,

Elder Shumway

TRANSFER NEWS!!!!

Dearest family and friends,

It is was a really good week.  My time though in Footscray will be concluded tomorrow morning.  I will continue to be in the same flat, but I will be serving in Sunshine and Saint Albans.  It is still in Western Melbourne, but a little farther away from the city.  I be on the trains a lot in these next couple weeks.  I will be serving with Elder Pham.  He is from Saigon.  It is has been really fun serving with Elder LyNguyen.  I really admire his love that he has for our branch members and every one in general.  He always has such an attitude of service.  He has cooked many countless meals.  One thing I really learned from him, was about the power of the scriptures in lessons and just allowing the scriptures to speak for themselves.  The scriptures are indeed one of the greatest gifts God has given us and are so very crucial in missionary work.  I am so grateful for them. 
We have certainly seen many miracles in these past couple months. Three people that we found will be baptized by the end of the year.  This confirms my strong belief that we need to talk to as many people as possible, even if we will not teach them. Also, two people that we initially contacted are now coming back to church. As I think about these things, I feel great peace with our labors. One older gentleman that we have been teaching, came back yesterday after 30 years of being away. It is pretty amazing. He is seeking greater peace and I do really believe that he felt the love of other members and the comfort that he yearns for. 

Elder LyNguyen and I taught priesthood yesterday. It was really fun.  We talked about Joseph Smith.  I think in many ways Ether 12:27 describes pretty perfectly of how he became truly a man of God.  He was humble and willing to act on the revelation that he recieved.  I admire his faith and the love that he had for others.  Through my Book of Mormon, I have come to know that he truly is a prophet of God.  It is difficult to express how many times the Book of Mormon has given the exact counsel I needed or given me peace and great joy to my soul.  Galatians 5:22-23 and 3 Nephi 28:11

describe well the way I have come to know spiritual truth for myself.  As I describe again to people, probably every day, our desire to know can eventually become an unshakeable faith and ultimately, knowledge.  

Every thing is going well.  Merry Chirstmas to everyone.  We had our branch Christmas party on Saturday.  I read Luke 1 and 2 yesterday.  I love the Christmas Spirit and this special time.  Love you all.

Jonathan

Happy December!!

Dearest family and friends, 

Happy December from Melbourne.  It does not feel like December in the least to me right, but no worries.  Haha.  I am currently wearing a Christmas tie, so I am starting to get in the Christmas Spirit.  We sang a Christmas song in our morning studies, so I am really looking forward to Christmas.  There are starting to be some decorations on the steets.  In the library, there is a Christmas tree.  We will sing as missionaries together at the state library in downtown Melbourne in couple weeks, so I am really looking forward to that.  Mom, I miss singing Christmas songs with you every night.  It seemed like we did that every day, in the weeks after Thanksgiving, every year.  Those are very fond memories of mine.  "O, O Come, Emmanuel" has especially been on mind lately.  As you know, that is one my favorites.  

Thanksgiving sounds like it was a blast.  Did you go to the parade downtown by the way?  I always liked those small, trick cars from Shriners.  We did have a little celebration last Monday with all the city missionaries.  There are about 40 of us.  It was really, really fun.  We went to a park and had a barbecue.  No turkey, but that's alright.  I played rugby for the first time, so that was a definitely a blast.  I can't say I was particularly a natural, but I guess there is always another time.
It was a really good and fun week last week. Many special experiences happened.  The Vietnamese Zone went together to the temple. It was an amazing experience for me where I just follow all anxieties and stresses leave and really just feel complete peace.  I really enjoyed going this past week.
I also gave my first confirmation blessing. That was certainly something I will always remember. Admittedly, I felt a little scared to give a blessing in front of the entire congregation, but as I walked up, I just felt very calm and confident that my mouth would be able to able to utter the words that needed to be spoken to this newly baptized man. I am grateful for the Spirit and the privilege it is for me to hold the priesthood and have the Holy Ghost.  His name is Reza.  He came from Iran about 2 months ago.  Elder LyNguyen found him as we were coming from an appointment.  He came to English class and readily accepted the gospel.  It gave my great joy to see our efforts have such an impact.
I have thought a lot about 2 Corinthians 9:13 these past couple days and have come to a fuller realization of the need to declare the gospel to everyone. It took greater faith on my part, but I was amazed by the greater success I have had in these past couple days, especially with Aussies. I am reminded that the gospel is truly for everyone, I just need to give everyone a chance.
I was reminded of this particularly on Friday.  We were street contacting and saw an Aussie on a bench.  We exchanged greetings and I came to realize how I really did need to talk to him.  He just gave up drugs about a month ago and started to pray and read the Bible again.  I testified of Christ and God's love.  We discusseed how Christ can heal us in our lives.  I felt prompted to share part of D&C 122:7-7 and part of Alma 36 with him.  He has tried to commit suicide serveral times, but every time, his life seems to be preserved for some reason.  I tesified that God must still have something that he needs to do.  He told me probably 10 times that he knew he was supposed to talk with me.  As I shared scriptures, he said he knew he even with a greater surety concerning this, because the scriptures described exactly how he felt.  I am so truly grateful to be a missionary and a represenative for 2 years.  It is so rewarding!!
We will continue to pray and fast for the people we are teaching.  I will do my best to be worthy to truly declare His words unto them (D&C 68:4). Life is good. Have a great week. I love you all so much.

Jonathan

Happy Thanksgiving

Dearest family and friends,
Really good week. A lot of little miracles happened, so that has made me feel very happy. There were a lot of little things that happened, but I know that is how the great things come to pass. One person gave his first personal prayer and seems to have a desire to come to church. Looking at the people that we are teaching, their needs are so different, but we are doing are best to help them come closer to God and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Several people that we are teaching didn't know about God before, so it is very special to see those seeds of faith become a little stronger and a little bigger with at a time, often, at a very slow rate. I know God has been patient with me, so I know I need to be patient with them. God is every loving, ever patient, and ever serving others.  This was shown through the example of His son, Jesus Christ.  As often has been said, our posterity does reflect to some degree what we said, what we did and what we were. Christ's example to me of incomparable compassion and love suggests to me of the same feelings and attributes of His Father, Heavenly Father. 
One of the best things of the week for me was learning that one person that we are teaching is attempting to read the entire of Book of Mormon in two weeks. She will be done by Friday.  We only asked her to begin reading the Book of Mormon and do pray about it, but she has a very sincere desire to know personally about the things that we have shared.  She is 19 years old from Hai Phong.  Her spirituality is very inspiring to me.  She truly is one that loves God. 
The highlight of the week for me was giving a Book of Mormon to the grandson of one of the members.  We were at his grandfather's home for dinner and after I showed him a picture of the family, he begin very curious about missionary work.  He even wanted to have a 'Missionary Handbook.'  I didn't have an extra one to give him at the time, so I had the idea to give a Book of Mormon.  We went over the pictures together and he asked many questions.  It was so much fun.  He asked questions I have never thought about before, such as "How does God breathe in Heaven?"  He also asked "How gave Jesus Christ to power to fly? (We showed the picture of His ascension to the Nephites in the Book of Mormon?)."  We began from the beginning of "Who is God?" and "What is Heaven?"  He seemed to absorb everything very fast.  He demonstrated the innate instinct to me of how all of us to truly know why we are and where we are from.  He has never really gone to church, but he came yesterday. He is only 7, but he has already read the first 2 chapters. He wants to read it in "29 hours." I told him when I first read the Book of Mormon, so I think he wants to beat me.  Haha.  He is curious about the story of Laban.  I love being here. It is amazing to see all the "little things" that happen each week. We look forward to another week where hopefully people continue to make progress towards accepting Jesus Christ and His gospel in their lives. Hope you had a good week. Happy Thanksgiving!  By the way, I have told the story of Thanksgiving many times in the last week.  I guess I like to talk about American history and its beginning.  Haha

love,

Jonathan 

Hello from Mel

Dearest family and friends,
It was a really good week.  We were able to see a lot of small miracles in terms of running into investigators unexpectedly, and people who haven't gone to church for some time  On the day of fasting, we ran into 5 such people.  I am grateful to be able to re-establish contact with them and give them another opportunity to use their agency to live the gospel.  As I have pondered this morning, I feel gladdened about how these small miracles did occur, although it has definitely been difficult to help investigators progress and put the gospel truly as priority in their life.  We will continue to do what we can in helping these individuals make this personal choice to follow principles that we can know can bless them with lasting and eternal blessings. 
I taught English class twice this past week.  It is a blast.  I just really enjoy acting out the vocab words and seeing people's English, truly progress week after week.  It is pretty amazing.  We talking about the word, "grill," so I got a spatula and acted like I was grilling a chicken with a piece of paper.
There are about perhaps 30-50 people that come each week for English classes at the church.
Missionary work is so awesome.  I love it so much.  It is incredible to hear for instance, people pray for the first time or to come to know for themselves about a loving Heavenly Father that truly has plan for them to succeed and finding lasting happiness.  I love it.  I love it.  We were able to meet with one new person this week named Chi.  I met her a train stop.  I shared a little bit about myself in being here for two years and a couple days later, she texted us back, saying she wanted to meet with us.  She didn't introduce herself at first, but I knew who it was.  I replied saying her name and it seemed to build a greater relationship of trust in order to help us meet again.  We met with her two times this past week and described how she was a feeling of great peace as she met with us.  I take no credit for it.  I try to fill my mind with the words of scriptures and do be obedient to the Spirit, but the Spirit is always there.  There are too many times to count, when I honestly don't know what my response will be to a question or how I will explain a principle, but as I open my mouth, the words just come--oftentimes teaching myself things I had never though of before.  I love it.  I love it. 
I do believe my confidence in the Lord has strengthened this week.  It is very difficult for me to understand older Vietnamese people, but I made a larger effort to speak to them these past couple days and amazingly to myself, I was able to have some type of gospel conversation with people, when admittedly, I could only understand probably 20 percent of what they said.   I was doing my best to follow the Spirit and looking back, it seems like what was said, was right.  I love the Spirit and I know its powerful role as being a reveler of truth.  Life is good here in Footscray. 

Sincerely,
Elder Shumway

Scriptures: Isaiah 41:10, Alma 31:31--I love these scriptures.  They are always so pertinent in any time of our life.  I know God can always help us.  

pictures of me eating pho, my morning walk with an peculiar basketball hoop, and the table in the library, I have taught many lessons

 

Dearest family and friends,
It was a fabulous week.  I think in our lessons this week, they were some of the times I have felt the Spirit the strongest thus far on the mission.  I have seen God helping me understand more in lessons, so I can then contribute more and really have a better idea of what is being said.  God is certainly involved in this work because as President Monson said, we are on the Lord's errand.  I was very happy to be able to have some second lessons this week and see people take the first steps of faith.  There are certainly so many people to find that are prepared to hear the gospel.  One of the investigators said he had been wanting to know more about Jesus Christ for some time.  He is our age and his desire to learn spiritual truth is inspiring.  It so much easier to teach people who are meek and are willing to act on spiritual impressions.  His name is Dung and from Hanoi.  
We met again with Chu Quoc who we met with last week.  I believe strongly he will come back to church very soon.  He is a very kind man and wants to grow in faith in God.   I am so grateful for the hope and opportunity the gospel gives us to change and to see this happen first-hand.  One thing I really has been on my mind this past week was how the gospel allows us to see our potential.  This rooted in us being having an spiritual Father in Heaven, who allows us inherently, every single on of us, to have a gift or great talent.  As I meet with people who perhaps have dashed dreams, I can the glimmer of hope in their eyes.  As they come to understand and know that someone greater than us all, believes in them and knows they can do it, gives them great encouragement and peace and hope for the future.  We were able to hear from President and Sister Hallstrom last night for a meeeting with the young adults in this area.  Our investigator who came was Allen.  He said the thing that stood out the most to him were the encouraging words that were spoken.  President Hallstrom end his talk with his testimony of Jesus Christ and it was amazing how the Spirit filled the room.  We will go forth again this week and labor with our might.  Fasting is so real, so I know some miracles will happen especially this week because of we having a mission-wide fast tomorrow.  

Sincerely,
Elder Shumway  

Greetings from Australia

Dearest family and friends,

It was another awesome week in Australia.  Many, many, interesting experiences and miracles.  I am keeping a journal, so I will remember.  Happy Halloween!  It isn't too big here, but I still saw some costumes.  Mostly from uni students.  The Melbourne Cup is this week, so that is pretty big.  It is four days of horse racing I believe.  It is only about a mile from where I live. 
It was very good week. We have been greatly with many new people to teach. It has been a lot of fun to be able to teach more. I do love finding, but teaching is definitely better. One person we met with last week had never heard of the Bible before, so we have to make sure constantly that we are teaching to their needs. A other person is sincerely reading the Book of Mormon each day, but is struggling to understand very much. We are praying very anxiously that our investigators have spiritual experiences that will help build their faith and they can recognize these experiences. 

Chien attended a baptism with us on Saturday, so I think it helped settle some of his fears about baptism is.  Met a guy this week from Pakistan who emigrated by boat as a refugee.  He was with 120 people, but for whatever reason, the boat went under.  He and his friend were the only people that were saved.  They swam around the ocean for 15 hours.  It was pretty amazing to talk with him.  I bore testimony that God had indeed preserved his life to come to Australia.  I sometimes want to cry when I hear these people's stories.  There certainly is a lot of anguish and conflict still in the world.  Melbourne is such as international city that I see the impact of all these things. 

One of the miracles of the week was that we had planned to go finding after church, yet, we started to walk towards the train station, we had a feeling that we needed to do something different because we had recognized that many members had no shown up to church. A person that we having been trying to meet for the last 3 months came to Elder LyNguyen's mind, so we concluded to try to visit him. We went there and were able to meet him. It was a testament of how we must be obedient to the Spirit, even though, we don't always understand there and then, when we are determining what we will do. He hasn't gone to church in many years, but we hope he can come this Sunday.
 Life is good here in Footscray. My faith has been strengthened by the people here greatly, in the branch and the people I meet each day on the street. I bore my testimony in church yesterday.  It was great experience.  I shared my love for everyone there and for Jesus Christ.  I told of how I met a person if I seen Jesus Christ on this year.  I said no, but I seen the influence of Jesus Christ and seen hearts be softened and brightened with hope.  Alma 5:12,13 has so much truth.  Love you all.  Thank for your examples and kind words.  I It is truly an amazing work. Hope you are doing well. I can't believe it is November already. 

Good luck Anna with your interview.  I know you'll do awesome!!  Love you all!

Jonathan

Dear family and friends,

Thanks for all your letters.  I really look forward to hearing from all of you.  I am so happy that everyone is doing well.  I really can see the bountous blessings that God has given us.
It was a awesome, awesome week. We were able to teach several new people the most we have had in these past two transfers. Many miracles have happened. I am starting to understand the power of fasting to a level not understand before. It really is indeed a special way in which we can come closer with God that perhaps can't happen in any other way. We have fasted twice in the last couple weeks and we have really seen the effects. Through the Spirit, some amazing, prepared people have been found.
We found one person this last week named Phuong. Elder Sealy and I saw her on the street and started to speak with her, when one of the members, saw us and helped us talk with her. They found out they live in the same apartment complex. Yet, even more than that, was that she came to church, we found out that this was the first day she had had off in an entire year due to a work agreement. It is a amazing series of miracles that helped her come to church. I am not sure when she will be able to come to church next, but we are going to meet her with her now twice a week, at the members's apartment, on the two days that she gets out before 9 at night. I am humbled by her story and reminded of the people that need to be found. I just need to have the faith and confidence in the Spirit to lead me to them.  The lesson was an incredible experience.  Elder LyNguyen told me afterwards that he wished I could've heard my Vietnamese as I taught and bore testimony. Although people don't always understand my Vietnamese, people always, always understand my testimony.  It a small miracle to me.  It's not because of more simple words, or grammar structures, but indeed the Spirit.  I won't take credit for the Vietnamese that I speak now, or praise it either (I know I have a long way to go.  Haha), but those language gaps that still persist currently, are always made up.  

Another miracle was about Chien.  He was supposed to go Adielade for an entire month, but the day after we met, he told us, he only had to be away for 3 days.  This is another miracle to me.  We taught him twice last week.  He has a great interest in the Book of Mormon and started to read it.  I This is a great blessing.  I know our testimonies and faith are strengthened as read and hear the word of God (Roman 10:17).  Life is so good.  

Got to see kangaroos last week.  It was awesome.  It was about an hour from where we are in Footscray.  I felt like a little kid going from bush to bush, trying to sneak up on the kangaroos to get the best picture. It was a blast.  It was some fields and woods close a new neighborhood develop, so there were not really any barriers.  The best part was when we saw 15 kangaroos congregated in one area, jumping around.  One even had a joey.  It was pretty cool.  

One funny thing that happened.  I was on the train with a Aussie.  He was very friendly.  He noticed right off that I was from the States.  I told him to guess the state and he said Missouri on the first guess.  It was a little weird, but also really funny.  He has a cousin from Topeka, so I guess the Midwest was on his mind.  Life is so good.  Expect more letters soon.  Love you

Jonathan

The waters of baptism

Dearest family and friends,

It was an awesome week.  Probably, the best one on the mission, thus, far.  It was a very special week indeed.  I had the opportunity to baptize Jennier on Saturday.  It was a very special experience for me. I have taught her since the second lesson, so I have had the great privilege to see her faith grow and gospel truly change her life.  

We taught her last week and we discussing general conference.  She told us how her priorities have changed in her life.  She now values her famly and her relationship with God so much more than she used to.  She is also 20 and also had her birthday on Friday.  She is from Hai Phong which is in Northern Vietnam.  The baptisimal service was a beautiful experience.  I remember baptizing Elias when I was 16 well, but it was special to have those same feelings again.  It amazing to see other dressed in complete white and then comtemplate that you are representative for Jesus Christ as you participate in this sacred ordinance that truly allows our sins to be washed away, to then walk in a "newness of life" (Roman 6:4).  Her joy was very evident as she shared her testimony with us after the baptism.  She described her feelings of being clean and having the opportunity to truly start over, as strives now to "endure to the end."  Her faith is so strong and I know her testimony will be great blessing to our congregation and to all who come in contact with her.  

When she asked me last week to baptize her, I think it was of the happiest times of my entire life.  It was a great honor for me to do it.  

Jennifer was confirmed with Holy Ghost yesterday by Elder LyNguyen.  I know Holy Ghost will be a great asset in her life.  I have seen how the Holy Ghost has impacted my life.  It does indeed give great guidance to me that I treasure that I seek to follow and it give me comfort in times of need.  

Khoa, who was baptized about a month ago, was given the priesthood yesterday.  It has been a very exciting last couple days.  

Chien, who I met on Wednesday in Sunshine came to church yesterday and we taught him a little bit before church.  He is from Da Nang, which is central Vietnam.  We taught him about the power of prayer.  He then gave his first prayer of his entire life yesterday.  It was very special.  He is going to Sydney for a couple weeks, but I will be back soon.  I translated for a little bit in sacrament.  He spoke to me in English and I spoke to him in Vietnamese.  I guess that is how the work moves forward.  Haha.

I went on a split with the APs yesterday before church.  I think it was the funnest time of "finding" or contacting on the streets yesterday.  We were at the Footscray train station and we literally talked to everyone that passed us.  I felt my confidence swell as we were united, working together.  It was an awesome experience.  This week, I am going to work harder at talking to everyone, not just a hello, but attempt to have a conversation with every single person that comes in my path. I guess we'll see what happens.  I am sure some miracles will happen.  

To mention a funny thing happened, there was a man who danced for 15 minutes straight on the train.  He had some big headphones and kept stepping to his beat.  He had glasses and kept looking straight the whole time.

Life is really good.  I am having a blast.  I am going to see some kangaroos in a couple hours for zone P-day.  I am really excited.  We're going to a reserve.  I live in the city, so I haven't seen any yet.  Love you all.  I wrote some letters home.  Expect them soon.

Love,

Jonathan

Words of the Prophets

Dearest family,
My heart is very full this cool spring morning in Melbourne.  I have felt very instructed by living apostles and prophets and I recieved defininte counsel that I look forward to apply in my life. As Elder Hales said so eloquently, "the greatest blessings come after conference."  I know that the talks given were inspired and are God's word.  I hope and love that I have for Jesus has been renewed and strengthened.  I especially loved Elder Holland's talk.  It was very down to earth and heartfelt.  As he said, we must always believe in miracles and "hold fast to hope."  We are told in 1 Nephi 15 to cling to to rod of iron of the word of God.  I believe that one reason why this is so important to do, is because the word of God fills us with hope.  I give us purpose and desire to learn, a desire that lead to faith, then to even knowledge of eternal truths.  Perhaps, in our time on earth, we feel like broken vessels.  We feel that we are doing enough, or perhaps not even good enough.  I know that Elder Holland said, Christ, our Lord and Savior is the Eternal Potter.  His fingers will guide the clay to be make a beautiful vessel, a vessel that even dwell with God.  Yet, as learn each day, it is crucial to allow his gentle touch to guide the clay and trust in His counsel and plan for each of us.  I loved this talk.    

I identified several themes, but the message of hope and the healing and redemptive power of the Atonement were feelings that came most often to my mind.  I had several questions written down, as I invited, many of the people that we teach to do so also.  I saw those questions answered one by one.  It is miraculous.  I know the prophets words are a "safety" for this day, and perhaps, ultimately, the only safety, that we have in this day, as President said so eloquently. 

It was a fabulous week.  I think our lesson with our investigator, Jennifer, was the best lesson I have participated in, thus, far on the mission.  The Spirit was so strong, so very strong.  It started with a question from Elder Rafferty, a English Elder, I was on splits with for the day, who asked her, how she has seen her faith in God grow in these past couple months.  She gave the most beautiful testimony of God and His love, and the gift of prayer in her lives.  She then proceeded to tell us that she had already prayed about the Book of Mormon, and received her answer.  I love the message that we share.  It indeed transforms individuals (Mosiah 3:19).  I have seen it transform my own.  

I love you all so very much.  In my prayer last night, I had a sweet opportunity to ponder over the gifts that each of you have been in my life.  I look to your examples and love you so much. I know I am in the right place.  I am happy to be here and I feel that I able to contribute this work.  My joy is full.  May God bless each of you.  I know that the word of God can give us peace and greater love.  It fills with hope and directs to have charity.  The scriptures have become one of my closest friends on this mission.  The words of the prophets do indeed direct towards Christ's redemptive power and God's love.  I know God loves each of you and that He will bless us great, as we seek to follow Him.  I read all you emails.  I am sorry I don't always respond. 

Love,

Jonathan 

A week of small miracles

Dear family and friends,

It was a really good past week.  We did not have as much success as I desired in finding people to teach, but day after day, small miracles happened and we were able to share in some sweet experiences.  I haven't watched general conference yet, but I am really excited for it.  I don't think I have ever been so excited.  We taught two lessons last week about prophets and committed each of them to write any question that they have about the gospel or in question about their lives.  I know that our questions can always be answered by either the words of the speakers or through listening to that small and gentle voice and impressions of the Holy Ghost.  I am still thinking about some of the questions I have.  

We were able to bring a member to church that hasn't gone in years.  That was a very special experience.  She has a strong faith and hope in Jesus Christ.  She actually writes the most beautifulf poems in Vietnamese about her love of God and Jesus Christ.  She is amazing.  We teaching much of the gospel again, because she was taught in English, so there was a language barrier.  She is learning a lot and we were able to share with her the baptisimal covenant and promise in Mosiah 18.  We promised that Holy Ghost is indeed a Comforter and can give us peace.  

We ran into many church members on the streets and transporation last week.  One person started to sing "We Thank Thee God for A Prophet."  That was very unexpected experience.  He was the only other person on the bus.  Two other people that we met, also told us that they both knew God had put us in their path.  I really believe that to be true.  One was a former drug addict that was taught by missionaries while he was a high security prison.  We testified of the healing power of the Atonement and how God indeed does not want us to have guilt or shame.  We can truly can be healed as learn about the work of God (Jacob 2) and endure the challenges that God give us, being true to what we know and believe (D&C 112).  The other people were a family that are recently baptized, but are homeless.  We shared a short testimony about God's love.  Each time, I really did feel God's love for them and I felt myself, an overwhelming love for them.  As all children of God, we are all brothers and sisters.  I wish the world remembered that.  

As missionary, I do have the opportunity to see world so close up.  I see the immense temptations of our day and the despair of many.  I see the effects of drug and alchohol abuse.  I see broken and disunited families.  Yet, I see many miracles.  I see so many good people.  I see people with strong faith in God and desire to be God.  I see people like Jacques, I met last week. From Sudan, he spent 15 years in a refugee camp in Ethiopia.  He told us how Christ has brought healing and great hope and light into his life.  The world may descend dowward, but I know that "hope is the anchor of our soul, the sail for our dreams, and the balms of our pains.  It is one-size solution that fits all."  Our faith in Christ will never fail, though storms may descend upon us.  Satan wants to have despair, but we cannot fail.  We are on the winning team.  We have God at our side, as God reminded Joshua.  I love Australia and I love the plan that God has for all of us. I'm glad to hear that Uncle Wes is doing better.  Love you all you so much,

your son, brother, and friend in Australia,

Jonathan (Anh Ca Bao)

funny thing: met two 17-year-olds who had football helmets.  their names were peter and steven.  how about an coicidence?

An Aussie Spring

Dearest family and friends,

It was a really good week. The spring is coming.  It does rain a lot.  I don't think I have ever seen as many rainbow as I have in Melbourne.  I have probably seen 7 or so in the last 6 weeks.  My allergies are holding out, so I am grateful for that.  I did get to see the ocean for the first time this past week.  It is very beautiful.  We went to a beach town to teach a member.  It reminded me of Palo Alto and San Diego.  I did only the beach from the distance, but it was still really cool.  Haha.

Some tests of faith and courage, but very rewarding  It was a week that has helped me trust God even more and know that He really is aware of His work. We had a really good start for the week in talking for people, but then for several days in row, it seemed like no one wanted to talk to us. Person after person. I started to wonder if I was doing something wrong, or if there was something I could do better. I read a little bit in Preach My Gospel and is talked about following promptings of the Spirit with courage. Both Elder LyNguyen and I tried to really apply this principle this yesterday and we led to some people that were very receptive to our message. Most will be referred away, but it was lesson to me that I need to follow the Spirit with obedience. That is when I will be the most effective. Sometimes, I feel prompted to talk to people who blow smoke right in my face, but I know He knows much more about those people than I do. I just need to follow the Spirit, which I know to be true gift from God. We are going to really try to some finding this week, hopefully, finding more Vietnamese this week to teach. I know if it is God's will and we act on the Spirit, we will be able to find those people who are prepared. 

We were challenged by President and Sister Maxwell to read the entire Book of Mormon by the end of the year.  It will be approximately the same amount of time that the Prophet Joseph translated the record. . I have already learned and seen things that I previously hadn't seen or thought about it before. My testimony has also been strengthened of the Book of Mormon already. There truly are so many different levels of the Book of Mormon. I was looking for instance at 1 Nephi 11 and found a pattern for recieving personal revelation--desire, believing scriptures, praying, asking questions, pondering and reflection over the answers that we do recieve, to understand more fully what God is trying to communicate to us.  As I read, I will do see more clearly and remember the great many "mercies" of towards His children on this earth.  I feel His love and desire for all to come and learn about Him.  The Book of Mormon and Bible are just so relevant for our day. I have started to read each time with a question and mind and I have seen myself learn more and be  more focused.

President and Sister Maxwell are both incredible. They both have such humility and a sincere love for everyone.  They both love music.  The hymns we sing we them are always very carefully chosen.  They are often integrated into their teaching.  We went over Isaiah 53, using Handel's "Messiah" in zone conference.  

Elder LyNguyen was born in Vietnam, but moved to Houston when he is 11.  He is one year older than me.  I am really enjoying working with him.  He is a master teacher of the gospel and is always very willing to help me with Vietnamese.  He is also a really good cook, so I appreciate that.  Haha.  I do eat a lot of Vietnamese food here.  It is strange not the have Elder Marker at my side anymore.  We served together for almost 4 months.  I am really grateful I served with him.  He is very goal-oriented and has taught me to find joy in obedience.  I have indeed seen blessings as we strive to be exactly obedient.

We are taught new people this week.  One is Tin.  He has already read part of the Book of Mormon.  He kept staring at my tag as I wrote to you all a couple weeks ago.  We talked a little bit afterwards I finished writing, and we invited him to learn more about the Book of Mormon and to gain a personal testimony and knowledge of God.  We had a really good first lesson with him.  He is so kind and compassionate.  He helps kids get off the streets.  He prayed for the first time and he said that it felt good.  There are not many things better I can think of, then hearing someone offer the first prayer.  It is a step of faith and sincerity based on a desire to know about God.  It is through prayer that we know the truth of all things.  That is why, we also invite people to pray over the message that we share, and not simply believe our words.  It is so important that people develop their own personal faith.  

We had another lesson with Chu Hung.  He is an amazing man.  He is nguoi nam (a southerner) who fought in the Vietnamese war for over 7 years. He escaped on a boat with 35 people, being the boat's captain. They were on the seas for 5 days and 6 nights.  He was in a refugee camp for 5 years in Malaysia.  It is an inspiring story.  He has a lot of health problems and the liver has the possibility of giving out, any moment, so he really lives constantly on the edge of faith.  We focused on the Atonement and the healing power of the Atonement.  The feelings of guilt and shame that we have when we make mistakes truly can be removed as have faith in Jesus Christ and repent, turning away from former behaviors, and making a new life for ourselves.  I know God wants us to be happy and to feel at peace with ourselves.  That is why I know the Atonement is so important.  

I am so excited for general conference.  It is will be awesome.  We hear it one week after, but that is alright.  I am so excited to hear from the words of President Monson.  I don't think I have ever been so excited for general conference.  It can be streamed from lds.org.  

I will continue to pray for Uncle Wes.  I will fast for him this next Sunday.  I love you, Sines, and Uncle Wes.  I have had so many good memories with you and love you so much.

Dad, thanks for the picture from Galena.  So beautiful.  Mom, thanks for talk.  I am going to read it today.  I am excited to read it.  Sarah, hope teaching and school is going well.  Anna, good luck with the GMAT.  I will pray for you.  Hyrum, thanks for the scripture.  I am excited to read it.  Peter, hope homecoming went well.   Glad that you're enjoying tennis.  Elias, have fun at 6th grade camp.  I know it will be fun.  

Love,

Joanthan (Anh Ca Bao)

Dear family and friends, 

It was amazing last week. The rains poured, but also the spirit poured in many people who was interested to hear about the gospel. It was a really fun past week. I felt a new confidence surge in myself as I talked to other people. I know this confidence comes from God, not myself, so I take no credit for it, but I do know that God is aware of His work and is helping me so much. The Spirit does indeed lead us to the people that we need to meet. I saw this time and time again. With one Vietnamese, I felt a strong impression that I needed to talk with her. I bore my testimony about how our message can help her know her purpose and the love of God for her. Through the gifts of the Spirit, I was able to understand her words in Vietnamese, or at least be able to discern and understand her questions and needs. I don't always understand a lot of Vietnamese, but because, it was critical in this situation that I understand her, I was given the ability to understand her words.

I see miracles every day.  It is incredible.  For instance, I was street contacting with Elder Marker with two Vietnamese.  We were sharing a little bit about ourselves and about Jesus Christ, when a member came out of nowhere and helped us set up an appointment to talk to them more.  She bore her testimony and definitely added so much to our conversation with Vietnamese. The members are so good here.  

Those Iranians I spoke of in my second week that Elder Marker and I spoke to in our first couple days continue to do awesome.  I am proud of each of them.  They have such faith and desire to learn more about Jesus Christ and the gospel.  One of them has already read the Persian Book of Mormon twice.  I know some countries haven't opened yet, but many people from those countries are being taught here.  It is incredible.  I don't joke around when I say there could be a Persian congregation soon.  They all so prepared and ready and desperately want to learn more about Jesus Christ and our purpose here on Earth.  

We gave a lesson yesterday about facing trials in our lives.  We shared the first part of Alma 34 with them.  We drew a picture of how Jesus Christ through the Atonement made a bridge, so we can overcome physical death, but then we made a ladder for spiritual death.  I know rocks will be thrown at us as we try to climb, but Christ will carry us on our shoulders in our times of greatest sorrow and pain.

Uncle Wes and the Sines, I have kept you in my prayers each day.  I love you all so much.  I know God hears our prayers.   I will continue to pray for you and your family.  Uncle Wes, you have always been a great example, but how your are dealing with your surgeries and pain, with so much patience, makes me respect and love you even more.  May God bless you and your family.

 love,

Elder Shumway

P.S. had an awesome experience at the temple.  I did one of the temple names from Grandma and Grandpa.  His name was Petur.  I love the gospel.  Elder Marker is being transferred, but I am staying the area.  Love you.

Dear family,

It was a good week.  Not a easy one, but a good one.  I am always how many dropped appointments we can have in a week.  That is alright.  That is alright.  People will tell us the night before that they are coming, but then they don't show up.  I feel though because we teach mostly at the church in the city, so it is easy to just go outside and get back to into the work.  We are very common sight in downtown area.  We have 2.5 zones of missionaries in one building, so there are a lot of of fun, but it is really fun.  We give strength to each other, and I have learned a lot from other missionaries in how they explain the gospel such as on a short church tour.  That is something we do very often here.

I lost my wallet this past week, so that made things a little crazy.  I kept telling myself that it would all be fine in the end and it indeed has.  I am sure exactly how it was lost, yet, the last time I remember I had my wallet was talking with a Chinese student about prayer and bringing out a picture of the family.  I guess it is difficult to find lost things in a city.  Haha.  I guess someone who needed it more as found it.  One interesting thing about the situation was, that same night, the first person I spoke to on the train, was actually in the exact same situation as mine.  I kept thinking  that maybe this situation partially happend, so I could give empathy.  We discussed the power of prayer and I promised her that her prayers would answered--perhaps through simply, feelings of peace, or a thought that would help her find her wallet.  I know prayers are always answered.  I know they are aren't always answered in the way we want them to be, yet, they are are answered.  I have definitely seen this, in my life.  Meeting this woman on the train reminded me again of how God is truly aware of us and even the "little details" of our lives.  He wants us to succeed and willing to help us through great gifts such as prayer and scriptures.  The scriptures to me are basically a travel book as I live her for a short time on this earth.  They really are to help navigate us through the mountains, the valleys, and the streams, so we can live again with God and be in a state of everlasting happiness.  I know this be to be true.  As Alma 32 explains, this fruit of eternal life is very possible and contingent on us.  

I love this work.  It is not easy.  I am learning to just not take these too seriously when people try to disparage me on the street.  I am just amazed by what people say on the street.  Yet, it also makes street-contacting so much.  I honestly meet every walk of life.  I know most of the homeless people in Footscray by name and often talk to them.  It is so much fun.  We had a wonderful opportunity to meet with a Seventy this past week.  It was fabulous.  One thing that really stuck out to me was that for our mission, I have been called more to serve with the President and Sister Maxwell than to serve in Melbourne.  It is an interesting thing to think about.  He challenged us figure out what that meant for ourselves. 

Thanks for all the packages.  I will send pictures next week.  

love,

Elder SHumway

Dearest family and friends,

Life continues to be awesome in Australia as missionary.  It is indeed a great blessing to be missionary.  It is so cool.  It is amazing to see the gospel change their lives and come to know for themselves that God and Jesus Christ indeed really do love them and that the Book of Mormon are the word of God.  With our investigator, Jennifer, I was such an exciting past week.  The commandments have just really clicked with her and has recognized that the commandments are really blessings that God has given us to guide her in our lives.  She had highlighted Mosiah 4:30 and begun telling us why from her experience, having clean and upright thoughts is so important as face decisions and temptations.  So much of what do, does indeed start with a simple thought--for good or for bad.  

With the our recent convert, Khoa, who was just baptized a couple weeks, has already begun fellowshipping.  I know this branch will continue to go stronger as people grow in gospel.  The gospel is a gospel of learning of becoming.  I learn new things each day. The branch is still small, but the congregation loves and cares for each other so much. The members really rely on each other, but most are single members in their family, living away from home. Sacrament is always so wonderful to hear people's testimonies, knowing they were only baptized a couple months ago.

I read 1 Corinthian 15:58 this past week.  I have reflected on it often.  Life isn't always easy, or we may feel that we are doing everything right, but the verse contains a great promise.  As we labor for the Lord, it is never in vain. 

I had a couple experience of being an answer to someone's prayers.  A person had been waiting for the bus for about an hour and didn't know what to do.  He told us after we had talked for about 15 minutes, that he looked after his prayer, and we were right there.  I had seen him about minute before and had a strong impression I needed to talk to him.  The Holy Ghost truly will guide us always.  I am grateful that I heeded this impression, that I didn't know would come of it.  We are meeting with him on Sunday before church. He is Vietnamese, so we were able to speak to each other.  I shared a short message about prophets and how we believe we have a prophet on the earth today, as there were prophets of old.  We might not always see the fruit of our labors.  In fact, as a missionary, most of the time, I don't see them, but God does.  I know He has a plan for us.  It is honor to be involved in this work.  I am humbled each day, but God lifts me higher (James 4:11).  

I met a person with a cardinals hat the other day.  His name was Jonathan and he was from Bogota.  I told him about Uncle Wes.  It was funny to have all those connections with him.  Love you all.  I pray for all each day.

Elder Shumway

birthday week!

Dearest family and friends,

It was great past week.  I had a wonderful birthday.  I played in sacrament for the first time and some of the missionaries gave me some fruit.  The second counselor in the branch is a butcher and gave us steak about a week ago.  We ate it last night to break our fast.  It was wonderful.  We ate it with some potatoes and corn--in my opinion, a very perfect combination. Haha. I guess there are some things that never change--my great affinity for food. 

I was reminded of couple things this week.  As it discusses in D&C4, we have to go with all our heart, might, mind and strength.  After a long day a couple days ago, of not much success, it was 10 minutes before we ended our day with talking with someone that was interested in hearing more.  I know God will bless us in this work, but I was reminded of how I truly need to give all to recieve the trust from God to talk and testify to people.  We do talk to a lot of people though.  I honestly really talked to people from every continent, I guess except Antartica, every day.  It is amazing.  Melbourne in many ways is what I think NYC was at the turn of the 20th century.  

It was great week.  Elder Marker, Elder LiNguyen and I were able to have a lot of good conversations with a lot of people.  Some many times I really felt the Spirit as we testifed to different people, but most did not accept.  Yet, I know that the Lord's "hand is stretched out still" (2 Nephi 19).  Elder LiNguyen told Sister Maxwell a analogy of simply sometimes we are preparing people to hear the message later.  This analogy gives me a lot of peace, so I strive to leave everyone I meet with a short testimony so they can feel the Spirit and leave an impression in which they would be comfortable talking to missionaries again.  So often, I run into people who have talked to missionaries before, but are still willling to talk with me, so I am very grateful for work that past missionaries have done.  

Two things, I really excited about this week, was that I was able to hand out my first Book of Mormon and share the First Vision with someone.  I can only invite, but in both of these experiences, I reminded of the power and significance of having the Gospel today.  I also gained a testimony this week of inspired questions.  Yesterday, with one of our investigators, I really wanted our investigator to open up a little more and share what our message means with her.  The words were given to me and she spoke with great conviction of why the law of chasity is important to families.  Questions are so critical.  I want to listen to the Spirit more, so I can ask questions that are more personal to the investigator.  

I don't quite feel like the "deer is in the headlights" anymore, but I think, for me, the deer is going over the roof a little bit.  Haha.  I think that it is good though because keeps me relying more on God.  A lot of time, I just need to open my mouth.  Words are always given of what I need to say.  I just need to have the faith.  I know God is helping me and helping me become so much more than myself.  

love you all,

Elder Shumway

down under: week 2

Dearest family and friends,

It is so good to hear from everyone.  Thanks grandma for your letter and catching me up on the family.  Thank you Naomi for praying for me.  It was fabulous last week--full of many answered prayers and miracles.  I will try to write as much as I can. 

We met two Iranian refugees last Thursday arounds Footscray (where I live).  They just arrived about a week ago.  We started to talk about God and the power of prayer in our lives.  Elder Marker and I both testified of God's love for them and how God is watching over their families in very difficult and scary time for them.  They immigrated as mostly young men in their 20s and don't have their families here.  We then invited to attend church and promised them peace and comfort would be felt there.  One of them then said that we were an answer to their prayers because he had praying to find a church to go to.  He came and actually invited four friends to church.  One of our recent members is actually Iranian, so she was able to translate for them during our sacrament meeting.  They are interested in learning more about the Book of Mormon and our faith.  They were so, so happy to be there.  It is a privilege to be involved in this work and bring people to a knowledge of a loving God.  As I said last week, the members are inspiring.  Most of them are from abroad and the only members in their families, yet their faith is so strong and desire to follow God runs deep.  I love them all so much.  

Another miracle that happened was that a 1.5 weeks ago, we met a member who has not attended church in about 12 years. His mother passed away about a year ago.  We met on the bus.  I reminded of God's plan is eternal, and a plan of eternal families and everlasting happiness (D&C 137 and Mosiah 2:41).  We talked a little about the scriptures and read Moroni 10:4 and 5 with him.  He has not finished the Book of Mormon before.  We then made an appointment for him to meet with the missionaries.  For whatever reason that missionaries were not able to visit him, but on last Monday, I saw him on the street with a bottle of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other.  I got his phone number and the missionaries in his area were able to meet with him.  I know it was more than a coicidence that we met him again.  He hadn't given us his phone number before, but he desperately wants strength to overcome his addictions and have the return of peace that he felt before.  These are situations that remind me that I must talk talk "by the way" (D&C 52).  This is why I talk to some many people each day.  God is certainly helping me talk with people. I have felt a increase in courage and confidence.  This is something I have been earnestly praying for.  I know God is listening.  

I know prayers our answered.  Several examples demonstrated this throughout the week.  Even simple things like losing a booking, searching for 15 minutes, praying, then finding it within a minute.  This happened again and again this past week.  It is a testament to me that prayers really are answered.  Even my physical strength has been renewed this past week.  I am completely better from my concussion and I have begun doing push-ups again.  I promise I'll be careful.

I speak Chinese pretty frequently here.  I am surprised at how often it is.  I has been a great blessing for me in Melbourne.  Even just simple words and sentences and aid a conversation so much.  I guess that it why it is so important different hellos in different languages.  It breaks down barriers and helps people feel more comfortable.  

The baptisms on Friday were very special.  They were both radiated such joy and happiness and excitement.  I played the piano for the baptism.  God certainly helped me.  I might starting playing half of the program every week. I guess we'll see.  I wish I would've climbed less trees growing up and practiced more.  Haha.

Love you
Elder Shumway

first week in Australia

Dearest family and friends,

It's been a smashing last two last week.  Haha.  I can't describe how happpy I feel to be here.  Before the mission, I honestly had no idea how how awesome these two years were going to be.  I feel so very happy.  I arrived in Melbourne after a 17 hour plane ride from LAX.  It was really fun plane ride.  I slept for 8, read the scriptures for 2, and then talked to people for the rest of the time.  I spoke to a 17-year-old girl that had overheard my conversation with the flight stewardness about the Bible.  We talked for about 2.5 hours about prayer and how God has a role in our lives.  I shared Alma 34 and Alma 7:32 with her in describing how we can honestly pray about everything in our lives before He is our Father in Heaven and cares even about the little details such as a upcoming test or finding some car keys.  I told her how prayer has shaped my own life and how I have always seen my prayers answered, even though there not always in time-line that I would like to be.  I was such a wonderful experience.  I really enjoying talking with her.  I talked to the flight stewardness for about 1.5 hours.

Melbourne is a fabulous city.  It is incredible.  You can honestly probably 25-30 languages in just one day, and in some places, perhaps, even in a couple hours.  There a lot of Chinese and Vietnamese here.  Most of them are immigrants, some are second-generation.  I speak Chinese occasionally, but I have had the opportunity often to talk to people in Vietnamese.  I just love talking to people.  It's a blast.  Footy is the rage here.  It's really cool.  After a game, the trains are packed with people wearing the jerseys and scarfs. I guess it's a little bit like Quidditch in Harry Potter.  Haha.  The branch/congregation I am in has 11 missionaries.  It is an international branch that began in March.  The Chinese branch has 18 missionaries and also meet there. It is right in downtown area on the second-floor of a high rise.  I will probably serve my entire mission.  To tell a little background story, there were a lot of Vietnamese missionaries in the 90s, but it is now only again, that the amount of Vietnamese missionaries is increasing again.  A lot of people stopped going to church because the Vietnamese they had was split and people were told to go to their local congregations.  The International Branch is now partially made up of a compiliation of Vietnamese that come as far as hour by train to come.  We ride the trains and buses a lot.  The public transportation here is amazing. It's very convenient.  

The members in our congregation is amazing.  Their faith and desire to build this congregation is inspring.  Most of them are the only members in their families and have made big sacrfices to come to church.  A lot of our congration is made up of 18-25 year-olds who came for uni or university.  Two people we are teaching are actually baptized on Friday.  They began being taught about 6 weeks ago.  They have such strong testimonies and simply just want to serve God.  One individual, Kkoa, was reading 3 Nephi 17.  He said he felt an overwhelming joy or warmth as read.  I told him how this was favorite chapter of the Book of Mormon because it shows so well the love that Chirst has for each of us, as we are His sheep.  He is our "light in the wildness"  (1 Nephi 17:13) that will lead us Home in a place of "everlasting happiness" (Mosiah 2:41). I know this to be true.  That is why I am here.  I want to people to also have that same knowledge.  I love being being a missionary.  I am seeing the influence the gospel on lives.  It is wonderful.  I love this gospel and know it has changed my life.  

Love,

Elder Shumway

Mid-week note: ARRIVAL

On Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 8:02 PM

I am finally here.  I am in the stake center right across from the temple right now.  The flight was long, but a lot of fun.  I slept for about 8 hours of the 17.  I talked to a lot of people and even shared the gospel with the flight attendant for about an hour.  Haha.  Life is good.  I really like President and Sister Maxwell.  They are awesome.  I am in tri companionship with Elder Marker and Elder Thuan.  Life is good.  Excited to be here.  My p-day is on Monday.  They actually just created a Viet zone on Tuesday.  Super exciting!!  By the way, Sarah, I wanted to call you but the phone wouldn't allow me to make any more phone calls with my phone card.  There wasn't enough time because right then, the plane started boarding.  I'm really sorry.  I love you all!!

Elder Shuway

 Jonathan and the President Maxwell and his wife

Elder Lynguyen and Marker with Jonathan. Currently they have been assigned to be in the Viet. City West 1 Area. His mission president, President Maxwell wrote, "Elder Lynguyen is very qualified to provide the initial missionary foundation that will contribute to your son's success."  It is interesting that Jonathan and Elder Marker, the missionary to the left, have already been companions for nine weeks and served as Zone Leaders together in the MTC.  Now they are together again!  I am glad they really like each other!