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