Dear people,

 

I cannot remember if I sent one of these last week, so forgive me if there be any repetition. I am now serving in Merimbula, south of Camberra, but still in the Camberra zone. It's going to be a hard area. When I saw that I was being sent there, I was disheartened. But then President Palmer, our beloved mission president, spoke unto the missionaries at the transfer meeting. He spoke of the power of revelation and how he received revelation for where we were suppose to serve for the transfer. The spirit was there. I saw that I should be delighted for wherever the Lord sends me, for He chose it with purpose, and wants me to represent Him there. It's far better than me choosing with the lack of knowledge I have alone. I love the area now and the members are fantastic. My companion is Elder Ee, and he is Malaysian.

 

We had an inspiring conference where one of the area presidency spoke. There were many things I learned. A great one of such is to cast aside the young single adult part of me, and focus on my purpose as a missionary. And I also learned, though it wasn't spoken, that I need to show the Lord that He can depend on me to carry out His work wherever He may have me be. It was so inspiring to sit and listen to their words.

 

The mission is wonderful. The nine months I've been out (9 exactly tomorrow) have gone by like a dream. What matters is that it isn't a past of regrets, but of accomplishments. Truly the small and simple things will bring the great things to pass. I love you all and thank you for your support and love.

 

Love,

 

Elder Justin Cederlof

Justin's new companion, Elder Ee

 

Transfers!

 

Justin has just been transferred to the beautiful city of Merimbula!  His new companion is Elder Ee from Malaysia.  Here is an excerpt from his letter:

"My new area will be the toughest area I've been in so far. It is a small branch in Merimbula. There are 40 to 50 members that attend church. It is going to be the hardest part of my mission so far, yet I will come to find out why I was sent there. It will be amazing."

Macarthur Pictures

Zone Leaders

Malu Family

Matemua Family

Sister Standring

Warwicks

Family

This week I had the privilege of contacting my family via skype. It was truly wonderful. Family is just so valuable, and my testimony on how wonderful families are has grown being separated from them on the opposite side of the world.

 

The gospel involves the focus of us focusing on those things that will truly be ours, which are those things that we may have for eternity: knowledge, faith, spiritual gifts, etc.. All of such come from God and we strive for them. One more of great worth is that of families. How joyous to think that families can actually be forever, to dwell amidst our loved ones with no end. That is my happily ever after.

 

Now what can we do that others may have that eternal gift? I love that I have the privilege of helping people with just that, and talking to my family via skype helped me to increase in desire to spread the gospel, that families may partake of that joy which I was able to feel, and will feel in the end. Blessed be this gospel, and Jesus Christ, the author of it, who gave hope to all. I thank Him for His sacrifice for us and testify of the joy of families in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

This week wasn't the most eventful, but we enjoyed Stake Conference on Saturday and Sunday.  It was about letting your light shine forth.  DJ's date is definite for the 24th of May.  He still needs lots of teaching, but he's doing great!  We are going to invite Shamsa and her friend to baptism, and that will make 3 for May?  It'll be great!

Not much to say, but PICTURES! The first one is at a recent convert fireside, where I saw Elder Howse and Elder Fepuleai who had been with us at the flat last transfer.



Elder Fepuleai, Elder Howse and Elder Coats



 

1st attempt at a selfie!