These past couple weeks, we have just been busy!! This week we were able to go to the temple!! It was such an incredible session, and so much power comes from that. Renewed focus, hope, faith, desire and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. This time, things were just really clicked for me and my eyes were opened more.
Little miracle this week, I was on tradeoffs on Friday with the APs (Assistants to the Mission President), and I was able to give out a Book of Mormon! We were doing some train finding and just talking to as many people we could on the train. I was talking with this Uni student, who's family is originally from Ghana. Even better, he was willing to listen to the story of the Restoration! The first I've ever been able to actually share that much. He seemed willing to read, but not sure where it will lead to.
I've come to really enjoy just talking with people. Meeting people from ALL over the world! A city in my area, Cabramatta, has got to be one of the most diverse places in the world! I've met people there from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Czechoslovakia, Croatia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, China, (no Koreans 😭), Armenia, Jordan, Congo, etc.
Another miracle, I got 2 phone calls, each telling me they had a Korean to talk to me with at that moment. So I got to USE MY KOREAN!! It was just introduction stuff and explaining who I am and why I'm studying Korean in Australia if I'm American... yeah, the worst thing to try to explain, let alone in Korean. But it was way good. I wasn't able to teach them but it was way good to be able to use it. Studying paying off! Truly blessed with past companions and members who feel bad for me and my lack of Korean use, so they give me a chance/call whenever the time comes!
Zone Leader stuff has been super hectic. I enjoy staying busy, but definitely a hard job that I respect my past zone leaders for fulfilling the calling much more gracefully than I am. Elder Grant is great because at times I can rely on his 19 months of experience. We have Zone Conference this week, so I'm excited to here the training from our President and Sister Runia!
*Drum Roll* President Nelson, the prophet, will be coming to Sydney May 19 (Happy Birthday Paige!) AND we just got approval for ALL the missionaries to attend the huge conference in Darling Harbour!!!!!! Super excited for when that time comes!!!
Spiritual Thought:
In this last General Conference, Elder Uchtdorf said something that was so comforting:
"the Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts. Instead, “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.”
I am way beyond the perfect missionary. I'm not a scriptorian nor am I experienced in teaching, BUT the Lord will fulfill the rest and work with what we offer. So as you look for ways to share the Gospel, just give it your best. By small and simple things, are great things brought to pass. Do your best and He will fulfill the rest. Love you have a great week!
Elder Brandon Escamilla
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Australia Sydney Mission
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Pics: Went ice skating for Pday, memories, went out with young men who are wanting to prepare for a mission!
