Last Letter: Going Home

My last email to all of you. Thank you so much for our the support from all family and friends alike. Being back in Majuro is a bit strange and not much has been going on since I'll be leaving in a couple of days. Stationed here in the Uliga ward with Sieler and Namak. Able to finish my missionary work in the same area I started. 

   Leaving Ebeye was strange, I thought I'd be a bit more sad but all I felt was content. I felt okay knowing I had done what I could and that everything was going to be fine. Of course I was sad to be leaving but at the same time happy that I will be coming back to see my family and be back home. Last Monday the Ward held a Family Home Evening and a going away party. Great to have that final goodbye with everyone. The next couple days in Ebeye were spent  visiting members and saying final farewells. Ebeye was incredible experience and truly never forget the work I was able to do while I was there. That Wednesday I flew out from Ebeye and hopped on a big airplane and knew I would be on the same flight that very next week but this time continuing on to Hawaii. 

   Here in Majuro there's just been some kajemloks, going away parties, so it's been pretty chill. Saturday night the Delap Ward had a going away party and had the sister missionaries step dance for everyone then a few other dances from the youth and a song from the primary. Afterwards the elders perform the 'whip and nene' for all the ward members. Friday night had dinner with all the other missionaries going home at the mission president's house. It was the first time all of us have been on island since the beginning of our mission two years ago. 

   One of the greatest blessing being back in Majuro is seeing all those members that were out in Ebon with me. Reim and Lynn are now in Delap with their kids and nephews and nieces. Judy Luke and all her kids in Rita. Mercy and Sara (who's parents Emi and Rusell are in Sacramento) in the Delap Ward. Even Bahn and Anija who introduced themselves to my companion as members just not baptized yet. Truly blessed I was able to see all of them and know they are active in the church and are doing well. Sometimes I look back on Ebon as if time was wasted because the work was extremely slow but being able to see those members and know that my work there did have a difference was truly a blessing. 

   Less than 50 hours until I'll be on a flight to Hawaii. This mission of being in the Marshall Islands for these last two years has been an incredible experience that will never be forgotten. Looking back now at where I was than when I started is vastly different. I remember at my farewell talk just breaking down because it all hit me at one time that I would be leaving my family and everything for two years to serve the Lord. I bore my testimony on the gospel of eternal families and honestly I knew that was true but not entirely sure about all the teachings of this church. Now I can say that the teachings and gospel of this church are all true, that Jesus Christ leads and guides this church, His church. I have been blessed to see miracles worked and peoples life's changed by this gospel. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet who our Heavenly Father speaks through. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and undeniably true. The Book of Mormon and Bible are true and speak of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. That God answers our prayers and that fundamental doctrine is how this church was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. In this church there is priesthood power that blesses all families and can be had with those that live worthy but in addition to this that families can be together for eternity. But as Nephi of old I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. 1st Nephi 11:17. These things I share in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Love you all. 

Elder Weenig 

S. Weenig

July 24th: Last Week in Ebeye

Wowsers 5 people were baptized this Saturday and another 4 are set for the following week. Sad I'll be missing the next baptism but glad I am able to go out with a bang. Also 9 investigators at church and the most lessons I think I've ever had. 

  Those baptized Saturday were Betty and her daughter Mathlynn as well as three little boys; Clary, Jr, and Binton. Betty and Willy had their wedding Friday with a great turnout from relief society we had the ceremony had her brothers house and all went very nicely. Jr's parents are both members but he just slipped through. However able to go through the lessons with him and his two friends Clary and Binton who were supportive of their baptisms. Binton's mother came and watched the whole baptism. When we asked permission for her baptism she asked if it's okay to come because she's a member in another church. Before the baptism she was telling the boys how important baptism is and what it means. So amazing to see how supportive parents are of their children coming and getting baptized despite themselves not feeling ready or members in another church. 

  Roseann and Tony are finally ready to be baptized. They've been busy with family things and deaths and sicknesses so it's been over a month of postponing baptism. They were able to be there this Sunday so they'll be baptized Saturday but sad I'll be missing it. I'll be flying back to Majuro Wednesday afternoon. 

   Had my birthday this week as well. An official adult of 20 years old an no longer a teenage. The day before on Wednesday the district put a surprise lunch together where Sister Ricks made some soup and put a carrot cake together. They turned off the lights and had candles and sang and the whole of it. Thursday night I was able to be with Shelly Ann and Ned where they brought a cake over from Kwajalein and was sung to in Marshallese by the family, the other missionaries, and a few others. Really grateful how much these people care and look out for me and it really makes separation from my family not as bad. I'll be having a farewell family home evening with my ward tomorrow night so my president told me I should say my birthday is then. 

   Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

  So sad to be leaving Ebeye but glad I was able to do such great things here but I have a few more days here. 

Love you all and be seeing you soon. Love Spencer M. Weenig

S. Weenig

July 10th

 3 more weeks to go. I'm a little sad knowing that I'll be leaving soon but, leaving working hard and on a good note. Although there is several people I still wish I could stay and teach I'm glad I'll be able to see a few through baptism. Probably none this upcoming Saturday but potentially seven if not more the following week, coincidentally will be my last Saturday in Ebeye. 

   Well Monday was 4th of July so the plan was to go watch the fireworks from the top of the elders apartment, the tallest building on island with 3 stories. However found out that this year they didn't do any fireworks over in Kwajalein military base and it's done only every other year. Still chilled on the roof for a little bit talking about life and eating some snacks. Just thinking it will be my last holiday in the Marshall Islands is exciting. 

   Sister Elanzo left us to go back to the main island of Majuro. Sad to see her go it's so weird having a missionary leave this little district of Ebeye because it's never the same. Sister Paku just came from the MTC so sister Clark is training. She's from New Zealand and way chill. She's already got a great nickname Sister Paku or Sister Shark. I'll most likely finish my work in Ebeye with Kalinowski before Salanoa and I fly back to Majuro a few days before we leave island. 

  Work has been going extremely well and were averaging 30+ lessons a week so it's nice to stay busy. Have quite a few investigators so we'll get out around noon if not earlier and work until 8-9 non stop. 

  One of our investigators now is Jorbi. His wife Mary Ann is an old member and they were able to get married back in March with Elder Waniel. He has been studying for a while and has gone through quite a bit of elders, studied with him for a bit in December and January. One of the lessons we had though talked about Thomas S. Monson and present day apostles and we asked him to read some of Monson's talks and to pray about it. The next lesson he told us that he knows that Thomas S. Monson has the spirit of God with him so he's progressing well. Plus I know her, Mary Ann, son Nephi from back in Utah and I was able to find a few pictures of him online. 

   Betty is doing really well and is on track to be baptized with her daughter, Mathlynn, the 23rd of this month. Her and her boyfriend, Willy, will be married this upcoming week. Willy hasn't studied yet but he has warmed up to us a lot. Started with them because he asked us to teach him when he was drunk. Whenever we teach her we have a member with us or take her to someone's house. Her brother is always one of the strong members in the ward, Hener. Her daughter is great and we study with her and some of her friends and has been coming to mutual the past few weeks. The other day she shared how she knows this church is true. 

   2nd Nephi 4:34-35 Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen

Love You All. Only a short time until I see everyone and get in contact. 

Elder Weenig

S. Weenig

July 4th: One Month Left!

  Missing everyone and all you guys. Only 4 weeks left so time is really winding down. 

   Investigators are good have about 15 investigators right now so it can be a lot but it's nice to stay busy. Started with some new investigators as well. Every now and then they'll be someone who everyone assumes is a member and then we find out they're not and are ready for baptism in a matter of weeks. Also have some more less active families that we started with who have some children that are at the age to be baptized so we'll continue with them. 

   We started with a man Kyler, had studied with him before but he can talk a lot and likes to go into deeper doctrine. After he went on for 30+ minutes about the 2nd coming and then answering his own questions. I shared John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. Told him we aren't here to study with him about all these deep doctrine and chapters in the Bible. I told him we are here to help him to make a change in his life in order to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and from that being able to answer his own questions. It doesn't matter how well we try to study the bible and understand the word of God unless we are doing his will and keeping his commandments. 

  The last 2 Saturdays have been way fun. Last week went with the other missionaries, the senior couple, and all the seminary kids down to Gucci Gue. It was raining all day but had a blast. The Ricks are still continuing seminary despite it being summer but now they're doing it at night time. This Saturday got to Abejdik, an island south of Ebeye for the day. There was a funeral there for one the men we studied with. Only a few more weeks though so really trying to make the most of the days off. 

Have a good 4th of July weekend and love you guys. 

Elder Weenig 

S. Weenig

June 14th

A lot has been happening here in Ebeye. This week had a couple married, RoseAnn and Tony. Last week had two baptisms. Our mission president came to the island one last time. My finish date is coming up fast but, I'm glad work is going well to keep me going strong. 

   Roseann and Tony marriage went well. We will hoping to have the married soon just got to get Tony coming to church, Roseann has been this whole month. Roseann and Tony our my parents age and so it's pretty cool with them. They told me how they were a little nervous before the wedding but, I asked how long they have been together. 21 years. Weddings in the Marshall Islands are very simple and just have close families and friends come to a small ceremony. 

   AJ and Betawin got baptized last weekend and both just beaming. Had all of AJ's family out there and quite a few others come as well. AJ's family is less active so although he was attending church for the last 3 months his family kept saying he wasn't ready so it was great to finally get him in the water. Betawin's story has been quite the experience with him feeling he was worthy and able to be baptized and has been coming to church for the last 3 months as well. I know Betawin will continue to be an example and because of that bring others into the church. 

   Our A/C broke so it had been pretty miserable and with it fixed now it makes all the difference. There are days where you just start to sweat from being outside and it's tough. Knowing I'll be leaving the heat in a short time can make it hard to get out and work in it sometimes, especially because during the hottest times people do not want to study or asleep. 

   Investigators are doing well. Betty is studying more regularly and always studying with a member. Has been reading the Book of Mormon and asked if we could come back a little bit later one day because she was just able to start reading and didn't want to stop just yet. With her we just got to get her husband involved and get them married. Started with Rodney and Kane, she's a member and his brother Stanford referred us to him. He's still pretty sick so we're taking it slow with him but, is listening intently. One of Renny's friends, Newton, started taking lessons. He just came from one of the outer islands and his grandma is a strong member so lessons have been good with him, took him over to the church for a youth dance one night. 

   Work with less actives has been good as well. Ned is coming to church every week for all 3 hours. Came Sunday despite having pink eye. Hoping he'll receive the Melchezidek in a few weeks. Also Johnny has been a break through as well. His wife Nesia is active and she told us we've been the first elders that let him visit and go over lessons with him. We were able to bless his 5 year old in the hospital and because he was fine instantly it helped to strengthen his faith a lot and we were able to bless him as well because he was sick Sunday. He said he'll be there this coming Sunday. Know the majority of less actives in our area and some are not interested in having of us visit but generally most are really receptive. Most were recent converts that fell away after baptism and need that encouragement to help them come back into the church. 

   Have been able to get subway a couple times this week from members. This last p-day went to Abejdik again went and night so walked crossed to the other island at low tide at night, slept over there and came back the next morning. Got our hammocks set up and way nice to get off the island of Ebeye only if it's 20 minutes away. 

Doctrine and Covenants 80:3-5 Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss. Therefore, declare the things which ye have heard, and verily believe, and know to be true.Behold, this is the will of him who hath called you, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love 

Elder Weenig

P.S. One more thing Betawin told me how he was a baby turtle he's taking care of and he named it after me and says its birthdate is June 4th, the day he was baptized. 

S. Weenig

May 29th

 Interesting week. I almost left Ebeye to go work back in Majuro then the last minute told I could stay. Either than that work has been good; solid investigators. Two people will be baptized this Saturday and have set up dates with quite a few others. 

   So last week Saturday I get told by the senior couple that I have a ticket to fly out that Wednesday. When I heard I was absolutely devastated, definitely not ready to leave the island of Ebeye quite yet.  Well I was contacting the AP's seeing if I would be able to stay and they said they'd try to figure it out but Monday morning I got an email from my mission president telling me I'm transferring to Majuro. 6:00 that night, right before a family home evening/going away party, I get called by the AP's saying I am able to stay here in Ebeye. Elder Kim ended up flying to Majuro in my place with Elder Polson. Tuesday we had Elder Salanoa, my companion from back in MTC days, and Elder Mahanga fly into Ebeye. Both elders are from Brisbane and so it's pretty funny to here them go back and forth and just rip on one another. 

  

   Also Elder Waniel, the one in the south area flew out to Ujae. It was pretty sad because I've been able to work with him for the past 6 months here in Ebeye and also in the first few months of my mission as well. Since he'll be on an outer island it was probably the last time I'd be seeing him. Ebeye is definitely different with having all the elders and sisters I've been working with for so long changed up but still good. 

   Pink eye this week that broke out Sunday night and has been on and off. Both Monday and Tuesday I was out of work and just confined to my house. Well actually Monday I tried to work, but... With the Ebeye sun I was out for maybe over an hour before my eyes start burning really badly then wind up with the worst headache. Tuesday I decided it would be best to stay in. Had Kalinowski go with Elder Kim and Elder Polson that day as a three way to cover both areas than I had Sonny just come stay with me. The pink eye is mostly gone but my eyes are still a bit sore. 

   Elder Kalinowski is good. His Marshallese is pretty impressive and a lot of people are amazed how much he knows for being out for a couple weeks. He still doesn't understand what people are saying but know a lot of vocabulary. Seminary ended so we won't have to be waking up kids at 5:00am anymore, I think it was draining this kids energy a lot. 

   Last p-day we went down to an island south of Ebeye, Abejdik. A lit over a mile we walked out there because our relief society was doing an activity and we were invited to come help out. Walked to the island at low tide and then came back on a motorboat. The day was really fun, first time being there and it's nice to be somewhere besides the 2 mile island of Ebeye I've been on for the past half year. Kalinowski and I were down there with Nelson and Sonny. What we did is just set up our hammocks and chill and sleep in the shade so really nice way to spend pday. 

   “Man alone, of all creatures of earth, can change his thought pattern and become the architect of his destiny.” Spencer W. Kimball

Elder Weenig

S. Weenig

May 15

Iakwe. Iakwe. All is great in Ebeye. Sorry for not writing these past couple weeks. My new companion Elder Kalinowski flew in the other day and Sister Lafaele finished her mission this week as well and returned to Samoa. Investigators or good and started with this really great couple. 

   The couple we started with are named Tony and RoseAnn. She had been coming to church a couple weeks and so we were able to start with her husband. Really neat experience the day before we started with them Tony says to her that they want to get married and study with the elders and says we need to ask them, Roseann responded that the elders would find them. The very next day we contacted them and had a lesson later that night. They have a really good foundation and are very ready to make a change in their life. Roseann is Nita's daughter and I'm not too sure if I've talked about Nita. I think she would best be described as matriarch, her grandkid Sonny was the one that got baptized about a month ago and the majority of her grandchildren are baptized and most of her children are studying at the moment. She has given us great referrals and was baptized not even a year ago. 

   Another woman we are studying with is named Betty. She's was at church Sunday and at the relief society activity this week. We have had a few lessons with her and it's good because with her we have Mañin as a member present to help us in the lessons and study at her house. Still continuing with the other investigators they're doing good just not coming to church yet so I'll keep you updated. 

   Elder Kalinowksi flew in from the states Thursday and got here to Ebeye on Saturday. Really cool guy he's from the Bay Area and enjoy him. He seems like a hard worker and ready to get to work so I'm excited. 

   Sister Lafaele left though and it was really sad. I've been able to work with her in Ebeye for the past 5 months as well as other times during my mission. Really hard worker and I respected her a lot. She did a lot to make pday fun and always coming up with something to do. As she left leaving for her flight she broke down and it was pretty sad. Might be one of the first missionaries to be sad that they're leaving. 

   Right now in my district we have Elder Kim who went down to work with Polson. Elder Waniel is with them and will be until they have a plane out leaving out to Ujae. Sister Clark and Sister Elanzo are the sister missionaries on island and pretty cool. Elanzo is Marshallese and her family is from Ebon so it's cool to talk with her about it then Clark is from Utah. It's a good district and have been blessed to work with only the best in Ebeye. 

   All is good everything is good and time continues to wind down. It seems as if Satan has picked up his game and work harder to finish my mission. Just feeling more tired or getting sick or some other thing, all for the best. 

  Doctrine and Covenants 54:10 and again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.

Love Elder Weenig 

S. Weenig

April 24-100 Days Left!

100 days left. I promise I'm not counting I only know from reading Doctrine and Covenants. I try to he better about reading the scriptures I'll read a section in the morning but basically once we get back from seminary and waking kids up I usually pass out until the time we start work for the day. Lost and dropped a few investigators this week. Right now really focusing on both less actives and inactives. This Sunday it was more full than I've ever seen it and I found out we had 178 people and I was able to look around and recognize every single face there. All makes the missionary work worth it. 

   Right now we have 3 solid people we teach that have been to church the past 2 months. Two of them are kids and they're parents want them to wait a bit longer before they are baptized. So we have people that will be baptized but we just don't know when. Our other one needs to speak to the mission president so we have to wait for him to come in a couple weeks before he can be baptized. 

   One of our investigators is gay. It finally came up during our lesson about Chastity. My companion wasn't bringing it up and I ask him. Then I explained how there is no sin with him and as long as he is abstinent he can be baptized. He told us how he used to study with the Elders in Korsae but once they taught him about chastity and found out he was gay stopped teaching him. Was the first time we heard that he studied before despite asking him a couple times if he had. I find it sad that he wasn't baptized back in Korsae and felt like he wasn't able to be baptized before we taught him. He's one of our best investigators and so I'm really glad well able to move forward with him and he'll probably be baptized in the upcoming weeks. 

   Our pday was way fun this week. Friday night the stake did a campout so us and the other elders went with all the youth and drove out to one of the smaller islands. Was way fun had both a prayer meeting at night and in the morning. So besides hardly any sleep really great. Saturday us and the seminary kids just walked to the next island Gucci Gue and had a seminary activity there. Pretty exhausted a lot different than sleeping all pday like we usually do. 

   One of the verses this week I read was in Doctrine and Covenants 36:7 And this commandment shall be given unto the elders of my church, that every man which will embrace it with singleness of heart may be ordained and sent forth, even as I have spoken.

Just thinking about how great the opportunity it is for me to be on a mission and anyone who is willing to go has the opportunity as well. Similar to the savior Jesus Christ, he takes us as we are then shapes and mends us to perfect us. This really is one of the best things I can be doing and thank all those who helped me to be here and prepare to go. 

I love you all. 

Elder Spencer M. Weenig

S. Weenig

April 17

This week has been nice and productive. We had as much lessons with less actives that we had with others. Besides some bad insomnia and my companion being 'sick' all is well. 

   Elder Kim gets sick a lot.. But his version of sick is usually the fact he's congested or has diarrhea so it can be kind irritating. He's constantly complaining about the most recent sickness that he's dealing, including every time he gets a headache. It's not too bad but everyone now and then he'll use diarrhea for getting out of work but then just sit there and be find while I go with Nelson or some other member. It's kinda bad I got to the point where I don't even feel bad for him when he is sick just annoyed.    

  All the people we go and teach are doing really well. All just at different stages we have a handful that come to church out of the dozen or so people we teach. Also have a good amount of less actives that we go and have lessons with strengthening the family and helping to push the men towards Priesthood. 

   We have begun to watch conference over at the Ricks' for district meeting. Always nice to be able to read and hear from modern day prophets. It can be hard with conference because I've never been able to watch it directly always reading it or watching it a few weeks later. Anyway one of the talks for Saturday morning session really stood out, "I am a child of God" Donald L. Hallstrom. How this is really the most important and crucial belief of being a Christian of even being a human being. That we are descents of a God who loves us and cares for us some who is very personal. I'm also reading a book title 'A God Who Weeps' and it points out all the things in our relationship with God we often take for granted. In the book of Moses "Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?" But then again how can we not be a God that suffers with us and understands our pain. The more we begin to understand the gospel the more simpler it becomes with the most principles we are God's children. Often understated and not understood as deeply that he truly cares and loves for each one of us he does not gain joy from the trials we go through but is often understanding and helps us to bear our trials. Because of this I know the church is true. That Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and guide this church through a prophet today Thomas S. Monson as well as 12 apostles. These men are not perfect but, because of their faith they lead, guide and help us to one day return with a loving God. 

Love you. 

Elder S. Weenig

S. Weenig

Ebeye: April 10, 2016

Biggest news from this week is that I'll be staying in Ebeye. Elder Kim will be transferring to the south end of the island and I'll be training most likely. Either than that nothing new has been going on lately. The members are really great at watching out for us. 

  What's nice about the members half of them we address them as mama and baba. Elder Soromon would call almost everyone mama and baba despite their age so it was pretty funny, like Lupe who's 20 some with toddlers. I'll usually call them mama and baba if they're in their 40's with children older or the same age as me. Always feeding us though there will be some who would be happy to feed us daily and give us food whenever we show up. Two really great experiences this week is we are about to go to bed and members Kahn and Anne Marie show up with a bunch of fruit they brought for us. Then another night we visit Shelly Ann and Ned and they apologize for not having anything and they like give us a loaf of bread a dozen eggs and a can of spam. Always so grateful for all their help and just making us feel at home. Quite a few will say hello children hello my sons, or some Sisters in the ward when we walk in they tell their husbands look our sons are here. Really glad to be in Ebeye North, it is probably the best ward in the mission and really great for members. Almost all missionaries that work in Ebeye get fat but I'm still working out daily so I'm good. 

   Started with Zepty, Renny and Joel's older brother. Studying with two older ladies Rise and Betty both have one of our members come with us for a member present and it really helps us to make the lesson better. What's hard is we have quite a few investigators where they are happy to study but we just don't get to see them that often. Have about a dozen solid investigators at the moment and will probably have 4 ready for baptism at the end of the month. So working hard to meet that goal. 

   Missing everyone. Always nice to hear what's happening back home. Keep pushing myself to finish hard. 

Love 

Elder Spencer Matthew Weenig

Ebeye: April 3, 2016

Iakwe from Ebeye

 This week has been alright. Elder Kim has been sick quite a bit but, I'm not too sure how much is laziness and how much is actual illness. I've been working with Nelson a lot, Elder Polson keeps telling me I have to blindside him so I might just have to take him home with me. He's only 14 but definitely the best kid in the ward to work with because he's not lazy at all and really great about sharing his testimony and will teach part of the lesson as well. 

  Went on splits with the elders in the south area my first one since being here in Ebeye. So finally worked the other half of the island, it can be nice to switch it up rather than seeing the same people all day but, at the same time I do miss seeing my investigators. While I was with Elder Polson we were teaching this girl from Kiribati and I swear when we gave her the Book of Mormon in Kirbati she wanted to cry with joy. Elder Waniel has been sick for almost two weeks so we finally took him to the hospital and is getting a lot better. Worked with Sonny so good for him, although at the end of the day he was pretty exhausted. Basically I worked with Kim Monday and Friday then the rest of the days with some of the youth in the ward. 

  Other news with investigators is that Randa went back to one of the smaller islands Abeton with her aunt. Rayna's parents are good with her being baptized but want us to study with her a bit longer. The week didn't go exactly as planned and we probably won't have any investigators ready for baptized anytime soon but, work is going pretty well. 

   New members are doing well. Found out this week Diosi is getting a calling as a young men's leader. Renny and Joel are solid, Renny is pretty good at coming to seminary. Some of the others that were baptized a little bit ago haven't been too good. Both Junior and Sonny have missed church the last two weeks but, have been good at seminary so we went and visited them Sunday night. Always sad seeing some of the new members starting to backslide. Have been focusing on finding old members that are less and inactive to strengthen them. Sunday morningcontinued with the sunrise testimonies and always great to have the youth have their own time to share their testimonies. 

   And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

(Doctrine and Covenants 18:15,16) As I'm reading through the scriptures I continually find more and more verses that share about missionary work. This week I feel with less actives just the importance of missionary work and helping them to realize one of the most important things they're doing in their lives is raising their children and teaching them the gospel. That they must strive to do everything they can to help their children understand Jesus Christ and to gain their own testimonies. Than from that joy that work they can go so much further to share the gospel with extended family and friends. Missing you guys. 

Love 

Elder Weenig

Easter

First of all happy Easter Sunday. Time continues to zoom by. Rayna and Randa should be baptized this Saturday as long as 2 others Jasmine and Lani then one more boy whose parents are members. So there will be 5 primary aged kids baptized this week.

  We've been trying with Rayna and Randa's parents but they're really not interested but happy their kids are coming to church and getting baptized. Their older brother, older than Renny, has gotten more interested so hopefully he'll start taking more discussions. 

  Jasmine and Lani study with the sisters but they're Rusen's daughters. Rusen has trouble coming to church because it's in Marshallese so hopefully his daughter's baptism will get him more involved. They're also Sonny's little half sisters so basically in the Marshall Islands everyone is related, always finding new investigators that are related to members in some way or another. 

   Waking up the kids for seminary has been good. What I've noticed is that it not only helps the kids out a lot but strengthens their families. All the time parents are thanking us for waking their kids up and getting them off to seminary. 

   Have only three investigators coming to church regularly; Rayna, Randa, and Betawin. Still working with current investigators getting to church. Although what has been really great is seeing an increase of less actives we visit start to come back to church regularly so it's really great to see. 

   Saturday was really fun. Kim and I as well as the other elders and sisters and some youth went down to one of the other islands. Just this huge 5 mile causeway stretch to an island called Gucci Gue. So we walked out there and brought some food to have a picnic. There's an old rusted ship out there so all the boys were playing tag at one point and it was way sweet because they have ladders and places to hide in. Half the thing is in water and then sunk into the sand pretty well. Solid pday and also cool to go to a place that feels more like an outer island. As you go out to Gucci Gue you pass the Irooj's property. This small island that has a massive wall around it. We hear news hear and there about America and it reminded of what Donald Trump said about building a huge wall. Also was able to hear about Belgium this week and everything that occurred there including some of the missionaries that were injured. Honestly America sounds scary right now. I'm so grateful to be out here in Ebeye and just sharing the gospel with everyone. Elder Ricks, the new senior couple, shares his experience in Wales as an elder and realize how great it is over here. I'm so grateful to be able to share about Jesus Christ and his restored church and gospel. Wish everyone a good day and to remember about Christ's resurrection and what the means for us. 

Elder Weenig

March 20

This week has gone by really quickly. I swear I was just typing up a letter yesterday. Our preparation days are now switched to Saturday so we'll be able to relax in the day and then if there is we'll have baptisms in the evening. One of our investigators Sonny was baptized. Work is going good and time is flying. 

   Oh I did get sick this week so it put me out of work Tuesday night and Wednesday then Thursday dragged myself through the day. It's pretty strange it seems like everyone over Ebeye his catching the same bug. I had diarrhea and extremely bead headache and all I could do was sleep. Wednesday we had district meeting and I did it sitting down. Afterwards we came back and I told Elder Kim he needed to find people to do splits and then just knocked out. He ended up working with Nelson and I stayed at the house with Sonny. 

  Have a lot of couples both new and less actives that we visit. The only problem is that most people are at work and so everyone wants to study between 5-8 basically so it can be hard to schedule at times. It's been good seeing the less active couples we work with coming back to church more often just a little harder getting new investigators to come to church. 

   This Sunday the branch president asked Elder Kim and I and the sisters if we could speak. I chose to talk about Temples and preparing ourselves. Shared the verses in the book of Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Then talked about how Elijah has already come and restored those keys in the first temple in these latter days. I made the point that in this church we are not only missionaries for the living but for the dead as well. How every member needs to prepare themselves for the temple. That we not only need to prepare ourselves and our families but the names of those who have died so we they can be baptized and we can be sealed to them as well. I had a lot of fun talking about the subject and found out quite a few good things. Well this church is true and I'm glad to be on a mission. 

Love you all, 

Elder S. Weenig

P.S. I have started the book of Doctrine and Covenants and will have a section to read everyday until the end of my mission (138 sections/days) 

S. Weenig

March 14

Sorry for not writing. My new companion was pretty lazy when he first got here to Ebeye but, now work is back to normal. Have a solid set of investigators and keeping finding more and more. 

  Elder Kim can get on my nerves a lot and is always talking and it can be hard for him to stay quiet. He's constantly on his ukulele singing made up songs and it honestly drives me insane. He wastes time a lot especially during the morning in our studies. I called him out one morning because he was playing on his ukulele and I asked him when the last time he read the scriptures and he couldn't even remember. He's gotten better though and because work has improved it makes it easier to put up with him. The main reason that I didn't work last week was pretty slow and my companion wasn't making it better. Right now we have about 4 couples were studying with and about 3 youth. Another problem work was so slow is that we were kind of in between investigators but we've been able to start with a lot more. 

   Our President came last weekend and talked a lot about setting goals and giving baptismal dates. Honestly I am not very good at giving baptismal dates and just let them be ready instead of really trying to help them progress and work towards that date. However we actually had a few of our investigators ask us about working towards a goal date to help push them more. Also we were able to watch a missionary broadcast and it helped me a lot with helping less actives. Most of the time with visiting less actives my companions and I just go visit and talk to them. The broadcast really helped us to understand to treat them as people who have just started studying and reteaching the lessons. We have started teaching quite a few less actives families and helping a lot of the men press forward to recieve the Melchezidek Priesthood. 

   Rayna and Randa, Joel and Renny's little sisters have started taking the lessons too and coming to church. My favorite is we'll teach them, Renny, Joel, and Gibson all at one time. Gibson is their 5 little brother who doesn't really understand the difference between testimony and prayer. We've taught their dad a lesson but he's always busy so slowly get the whole family involved. 

  Sonny is ready to be baptized this Saturday. Way cool to see how far he's come. He was talking about how shy he used to be not able to say a prayer in the lessons to just having a bunch of friends from seminary and church. What's really great is that he has a lot of friends that are getting more interested in the church. He told us how a lot of his friends are asking about him and he's invited like all his friends to his baptism. So hopefully we'll be able to pick up a lot more investigators. 

  Rusen is good. We got his daughters to start studying with the sisters so most likely we will get them baptized at the same date. 

   There was a story I read the book I'm reading, Crucible of Doubt, about a young missionary who wrote home to his mother feeling he needed to return from his mission because he didn't have a strong enough testimony. The Elder's mother responded "stop praying on your knees and start praying on your feet." I feel this is one of the most powerful statements is that our testimonies are often strengthened by helping oftens. Often prayers are not answered clearly as we think they should but rather by others. I feel I've never had a distinct answer or voice I've felt but, because of teaching others the gospel and seeing how it changes their lives my testimony is greatly strengthened. 

Love you thanks for your support 

Elder Weenig

S. Weenig

February 29: New Companion

   Pretty short week. The biggest thing that happened is Soromon flew out Wednesday and then my new companion, Kim, flew in Tuesday. Kim was in the MTC so we're pretty close. The young men that were baptized last week got ordained to aaronic priesthood. It was cute one of the young men was sitting up ready to pass and I had to explain that he hasn't received the priesthood yet and to wait one more week. 

   The Schaffers flew out this morning and the new senior couple the Ricks flew in on Saturday. Sister Ricks was baptized in the Lake San Marcos ward so it was pretty cool. Such a small world with so many connections. 

  Work has been good. Rusen has been going well. Basically this guy is reading the bible everyday and not really doing anything. He's really interested and has been studying the Book of Mormon. Sonny another kid has been real great, he's been coming to seminary all this week and will probably be ready for baptism in a week or two. 

  Alma 38:10-12 10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things. 11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength. 12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness. 

Some good missionary advice good to remember for myself. What I need to be and how I need to act but good for everyone pretty much. 

Love you all. 

Elder Weenig

S. Weenig