Ofa pe keu foki mai ha aho 7/5/2015

Ko huku famili. Na'a ma lava 'o fakahoko 'ae ngaahi me'a faka'ofo'ofa 'i he uike ko 'eni. 'I he kamata o 'ema uike na'a ma fokotu'u ha ngaahi taumu'a ki he ngaue kie he toenga taimi oku ma ma'u ke ngaue fakafaifekau i Tonga ni. Ko e taumu'a na'a ma fokotu'u ke ma KUMI ata'ata. Pea na'e lava ia. Nama ma'u ha kau fiefanongo fo'ou e tolu pea ma fokotu'u ha ngaahi aho ke ako'i a kinautolu. Oku ou ongo'i kuo lava hoku fatongia i he elia ko eni. I he vaha'a taimi na'aku ngaue ai i heni na'a ku lava o fe'ilo'aki mo e ni'ihi hoku famili mei Tonga ni. Lolotonga eku ngaue eni na'e tupulaki ha ofa makehe ki he kakai o Tonga pea ki honau ulungaanga mo e me'a kotoa pe.  Na'aku kumi 'ae ni'ihi he'eku fanga tokoua mo fanga tu'ofafine. Kou ilo'i fakapapau na'e i ai ha taimi i he Maama Fakalaumalie na'a mau maheni ai. Pea i he taimi nounou ko eni na'a mau lava o feohi pea feako'aki 'o fekau'aki ae ongoongolelei o Sisu Kalaisi. Ko ha me'a faka'ofo'ofa ia. Te u Tangi lahi i he taimi kou mavahe mei he fonua ni he kou lau ae fonua ko eni hoku fonua pea ko e kakai eni ko hoku kakai. E nofo ha ki'i kuonga o hoku lot i he fonua ni pea ha'u mo au ha ki'i kuonga si'isi'i. I hono mo'oni oku ikai keu fie foki ki Amelika. Kou ongo'i loto mamahi koe'uhi oku si'i eku taimi... Ka kou ilo'i oku uiui'i au Tamai Hevani ke u foki atu o tokoni'i ki he famili ke nau ilo ae mo'oni oe ongoonglelei pea te nau lava ke ma'u mo'ui ta'engata mo honau ngaahi famili. Ko e taumu'a ai pea teu feinga faivelenga ke lava'i ae taumu'a ko eni. 

My last week in Tonga has come and I couldn't be more sad. This is my favorite country and I will be leaving it behind with free flowing tears and a broken heart. This past week has been good to me and we were able to reach some of our goals we set before we leave. We found 3 new investigators for the next missionaries coming in and we are so grateful. We have been struggling in our finding. We were about to give up and that is when God guided us to those who are ready to listen. A scripture that comes to my  mind is D&C 4:4 "He vakai 'oku hina ae ngoue ki he ututa'u pea vakai ko ia oku ne ai ene heletu'usi aki hono tuukuingata te ne tokonaki ke oua na'a ne mate kae fakahoko ae fakamo'ui ki hono laumalie." The field is white wherever you are. There are family and friends who need this glorious Gospel and only we can invite and give it to them. There is a lot of work to do and although my time is short in Tonga I have a very long time in Utah to do this work. This work doesn't end on this earth but it is eternal. God has ended my mission here but has called me on a new one. I pray that hearts will be softened and opened to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that miracles will come to pass as we take heed and go about doing good in our daily activities by living the Eternal Gospel that God has given to us. Words cannot describe the feelings in my heart for this gospel and this work. IT will go on until He comes and I will be at the front of the battle doing all I can to proclaim the words of life to all whom are willing to listen. I want to end with the "Fellowship of the Unashamed"  

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. the dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The Decision has been made.

I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST.

I won't look back. let up, slow down. or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded . I now live by Faith, lean on HIS presence, walk with patience. I am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power . My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me. And when He returns for His Own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My Banner will be clear. 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of GOD unto Salvation to every one that believeth... " Romans 1:16.

I have a goal and I wont stop until it is completed. 

I'll see you soon.

Elder Swan

13 more days.... 6/28/2015

vao niu (shredding coconut)

Well how are things going at home.

This week Kofe's cousin gave her some anti Mormon videos... She watched them and I didn't wanna tell her anything so I just asked How do you feel when you watch these videos? And how do you feel when you read the Book of Mormon? Pray about it. And she told us that she is all good and believes it all. She is still so strong :)

Making lu (taro leaves)

Yes that's me with a Nasty Sty

                             

A wonderful Temple experience 6/21/2015

Going to the Temple

So this week went okay.. We are still having the hardest time finding people to teach and are in the same situation as last week. Two pluses for this week. One: On Tuesday we took all of the Recent converts and some young men and young women to the Temple. We were able to go and be witnesses for the baptisms. It was a wonderful experience to see those who we taught enter the Temple for their first time. Kofe shared with us that she felt so close to Christ she never wanted to leave. It was a great experience for us all. Two: We taught Io'apa again and He said he is going to quit smoking. He has been having a really hard time but he has had it and we all pray this time he can do it. We also taught a less-active Saturday night and she shared a few things with us and we were able to help her out a bit. We promised her that if she prays and goes to church on Sunday she will get her answer. So on Sunday we were looking for her and she came and while we were blessing the sacrament she looked at us and I could tell she got an answer. It was a really cool experience. I've been trying to look for small ways to serve others. Last week a lady bought some stuff at the store and I took it to her car for her. Then earlier today at the store a few things had fallen over and I picked them up and put them back. The point is, is that service can be found anywhere you just have to plan for unplanned service. It will come up!

 That's pretty much it for now.. Sorry it's not much!

 I love you!!

 Elder Swan

Elder Swan and Kofe and the rest of the temple crew

Toni and Tulu whom we got to witness get married.
We are teaching them...

Osai Siulua (Ward Mission Leader) Bishop Lautaimi
and Sione vea (Young Men's Pres.)

Painting the Kings Gate 6/14/2015

 How are you!!

So this week stunk.. Honestly not much happen at all this week so I don't have much to say. A few days we were in town painting the Kings fence for a service project and then the rest of the days were awful.. We work really hard but everyone just tells us that we are almost done so it really doesn't matter. We are trying to re start and find new people to teach. 

Elder Swan 

Painting at the Kings Palace

                                         

Packages from Abe

Abe Young was in Fiji this week and had a few friends going over to Tonga so he sent Tyler 2 packages of candy to get him through the next 4 weeks. We Love you Abe!!!

Thank you for always looking out for Tyler and being such a good friend~

Tanner's Mission call 6/7/2015

First off I cannot believe he is really leaving on his mission!!! Second, I along with Shayler can tell him and testify that you are not called to a mission. You are called to a mission President and the people. I think he will love it!!! I hope I can go through the Temple with him but if he wants to do it before I get home that is fine too. I will just take him 3 times a week when I get home. I would love to have our Homecoming and Farewell together I think that would be awesome!!!

To fill you in on my week Kofe is back home and we are going over there in 30 min. I'm planning on inviting her sister. We'll see about the rest of the family. Kofe comes to every activity and is very strong! This week was really slow because of Stake Conference and everyone was to busy. 

Hey mom I'm sorry we are short on time today we are on our way to Kofe's house. But mom I love you and you raised one heck of a son. Tanner is the man and I can see the light from here. He will save many souls in Reno.

I love you all
Elder Swan   

This is it ~ 5/31/2015

Elder Felemi, Pres. and Lori Tupou and Elder Swan

Malo 'etau lava Fam bam!

So this week was crazy. Not much went on besides our same investigator who just has miracles going on in her life. We found out more of the Miracle but I'll tell you in 6 weeks.

So this girl Kofe Manoa was baptized on Saturday. She was planning on telling her mom afterward but we went to pick her up before the baptism and she ended up telling her mom right there in front of us. Her mom freaked out at her and wouldn't really talk to us after. Kofe was scared but she showed up at the baptism and it went really well and was very spiritual. Afterwards she was super quiet and I couldn't really tell what was wrong with her so we went and sat by her. She leaned to me and asked "do you think I made the right decision??" I looked at her and thought and then I asked her what she thought. She said "yes I believe it is right." I agreed with her and told her that she is now a light and an example to her family! She looked at me and said "Elder Swan, you know I'm scared right??" I told her I knew and as tears rolled down her face I just smiled and said " God is well pleased of you Kofe! Just trust in him. Lets go eat!!" She then laughed and we went to eat. As we were walking the second counselor knew what was going on and he reached out and talked to her and comforted her. I was so happy to FINALLY see someone reach out to her. So that is the good news. Later that night she text us and explained how scared she really is. We sent a few scriptures to comfort her then reminded her about church haha. She came to church and received the Holy Ghost! Again such amazing feelings were felt at that meeting. After the meeting she told me she was kicked out of her house and my heart broke. I didn't know what to say. But I did receive revelation while I was at church that we need to invite her family. So I told her that. She laughed and told us to go for it!!

Transfers came in last night. I've been praying for weeks to stay in this area again! Guess what!!?? I'm staying and finishing my mission here. These people have become my family. I couldn't think of anywhere else I would want to be. I have a lot to do here. I can't believe it's coming so close to an end.. 6 weeks is too fast but I'm right where God needs me and that is all I need.

I apologize that I am unable to put the feelings felt this past week into words. My English isn't great and never was, but I want you to know that This is Gods work and He is watching us in all we do.

I love you all!!

Elder Swan

Kofe's Baptism 5/30/2015

Kofe and Salina

Miracles 5/24/2015

Fam bam can you believe it has already been another week? That means 7 more!!! This week was great with two set backs.... 

Starting off Tuesday morning was a trip to the hospital at 7 in the morning. Mom you already know the results so no need to share them with anyone else. Those of you who don't know anything don't worry about it :) things are great. After the hospital was our district meeting and what a surprise... President Tupou and his wife surprised us!! Haha at least we were all prepared and it was a very good meeting and the spirit taught us wonders. 

Wednesday was a companion exchange in which I went with Elder Tangi and Felemi went with Elder Manuofetoa. It was a good day and we got some potential investigators. Felemi and Manu went and checked on Folita who was supposed to be interviewed that day.. Well they went to her house and the people she stays with chased them away and she said she doesn't want to be baptized anymore. We have no idea what happened and are hearts are broken for this girl. I hope we were able to plant a seed.

Now to the miracle part of the week. Kofe. Kofe is a miracle. We came in contact with her in a miraculous way and throughout the past 3 weeks miracle after miracle have taken place. One night we received a text saying her mom doesn't want us to teach her again. She said she wants to continue but her mom won't let her. Well, she invited us over again and we continued, she asked what she should do and all we could think of was to invite her to ask God because He won't lead her astray and he will tell her exactly what to do. Well the next night we got another text. She said something like this "Tears of joy!! I am so grateful to have met you two and all the things you've shared with me. I can honestly say I've received my answer." We were beyond excited!! In just a matter of 3 weeks she has conquered smoking, family problems, and many temptations. To us she is not only a miracle but an example and a light in this sinful world swan diving (that's kinda ironic... Swan diving downward... Hahaha)  downward into darkness. She is one of Gods elect. She's one of the "honest seekers" of truth.  The next miracle happened last night. Another text comes in saying "my mom wants to apologize for what she said and she wants you to know that you two are welcome anytime. " Now we have ins with the family! She's been such a good example to her family they have accepted us and hopefully we can teach them really soon!! 

Last night I got to talk to Siale Tupou who was one of my first baptisms in Tofoa! He's so funny and finally I can understand him and talk with him haha. He is awesome and doing well!! His grandma who is from Koloa Vava'u is in Tofoa so I got to talk with all of them. I love that little family! 

As for Io'apa Save he is still trying to quit smoking. He's doing well and has gone from a pack a day to only 2 or 3 a day. He is progressing and he knows he can do it. He's planning on stopping by the end of the month!! We love these people here. I love them!! 

That's it for this week. I love you all so much and I'll send pictures next week.. Computers down.. 

Ofa lahi atu

Elder Swan

God lives and Loves us 5/17/2015

Okay not much this week. We keep working hard but so is Satan. 

The good news is something I've been waiting to share since last week. We met a new investigator named Kofe Manoa. She is 21 and searching for answers. Two weeks ago on Tuesday the 5th of May at 5 o'clock pm ALL of our plans and back up plans fell through. All of the sudden a girl from our ward called us and asked if we were free to come and teach her friend. We were free so we went over there and met Kofe. We got to know her a little bit and answered some questions she had. We asked for another day we can continue talking. She told us to come back the next day Wednesday the 6th. So we went to her house and just started talking to her and taught a lesson. As we were leaving she ran out and gave us a note. When we got home we read it and it said "Really need some help guys. I'm scared. Please pray for me. Ofa atu." When we read it we were kind of nervous and scared and curious and wondering what the heck it could be. So we went over the next day and began our lesson. Half way through she looked like she wasn't paying attention and that something was on her mind. My companion asked her if she had something on her mind. She said yes. Then I asked if she wanted to share it with us. She began telling us that she has been smoking and has tried to stop and she cant. She's scared because when she doesn't smoke she feels like her life is useless. I can't remember much of what happened after that but all I know is that I bore testimony that God loves Her and knows her and wants to help her. I told her He is so happy and excited that she sought help from His servants and is seeking help from Him. I told her that her life means the world to so many people including us. I told her that the search she was on is over and that she has found happiness in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With tears in our eyes my companion continued telling her that She is loved and that through Christ she can quit smoking. She told us that on Monday she was wondering what to do and finally she said a prayer asking for help. This is the Miracle. She prayed on a Monday. We came the next day. God lives and loves his children and He answers their prayers. Even though things may seem impossible to us on earth. It may seem impossible for us to stop doing things like smoking, looking at bad things on the Internet or any type of addiction. But when we ask God for help it immediately becomes easy because He loves us and wants us to follow Him. So if we are trying to follow Him then he will take our burdens and trials of any sort and put them upon His own back. He will make our pathway easy.. So if any of you are struggling with anything I invite you to ask our loving Father in Heaven for His help and I promise that it, whatever it is you're struggling with will become easy to overcome!

God lives and helps those who seek it.

Ofa atu!

Elder Swan

I finally got to go to the Temple this week but I totally forgot my camera! What a blessing it is to go to the house of The Lord. It almost brought me to tears. I was in the celestial room with everyone and I closed my eyes to say a prayer and I feel like it was 3 minutes later I looked up and I was alone with one other Elder. I just kept thanking the Lord for the opportunity I had to feel His presence and love. I sat for awhile until I was the last one there and finally I said thank you again and left. I asked president if I can go next week too. We are so blessed to live so close to a Temple. I didn't take advantage of it but now I will!!!!

Me and Elder Felemi

Manuofetoa's Birthday

Mashed Potatoes my favorite YUM!!!

Mother's Day 5/10/2015

This is Siale, she is the lady that let me use their phone to call you on Mother's Day. She loves you mom! 

Slow week in Tonga 5/3/2015

How's it Family??

This week was okay... We didn't get much done. We worked hard but a lot of things fell through. I'm loving this area and the people though. We have 2 investigators that will be baptized and are ready, but with all the things going on in Tonga right now a lot of people are busy. We are planning for the last week in May for one of them and maybe next week for the other. 

As for Holden that is soooooo cool!!! Haha Holden and Lindsey are going to be HICKS! 

I am so glad you got to meet Elder Fiefia and Elder King, they are looking good. I miss those guys like crazy. They were two of my best friends. They were good missionaries.

Sorry not much happened this week 
I love you all
Elder Swan

Talk to you next week~

A wonderful visit from Elder Fiefia (Tyler's first companion and trainer)
and Elder King (One of Tyler's Zone Leaders) What great young men! 

Are you becoming like the Son? 4/26/2015

Well this week was a well needed week. We didn't have much success on the work end but the spiritual side of things were great! At the beginning of the week we started with a fast for Peni. It was us, him and his fellow shippers/friends. We did it to kind of build up his faith. He has some things that he doesn't believe in. Well, after the fast he text us and said "I believe." He has kind of been awkward about it though. So we asked him on Sunday again and he said he believes. So we set a date for next week. I pray he sincerely believes because we have worked for 3 months on this guy. Maybe I'm just doubting?? Who knows, but I believe.

This week Was AWESOME because Elder Pearson came and spoke to our mission. EVERYTHING He shared was everything this mission needed and everything I needed! So I'll share a bit from that and then we'll see where time takes us...

The very first thing that got me was this "Your mission means absolutely nothing if you don't get married in the Temple or if you aren't worthy to." Man that is straight forward. 

But the rest of his message started with the Doctrine of Christ. The Doctrine of Christ starts with Obedience. In everything we do, obedience is involved. The entire purpose of this Earth being created was to give us a place to come to and see if we would be obedient. The next is Faith. If you notice as we are obedient God pours out blessings upon us. He pours out spiritual power and faith. I've seen this time and time again as people I teach begin to live the Gospel their faith bursts into flames and you can literally see it. When our Faith is efficient enough we are given an opportunity to repent. Now I want you to think about this for a second. Why exactly do we repent?? To feel clean? To what? The entire purpose of repentance is to qualify us to become worthy enough to enter into covenants with God. Baptism and so forth. when you and I were baptized at age 8 or whatever time you were baptized along the way we gave up our agency. We have no more agency for we covenanted with God to always follow him and to take his name upon us and be His servants. We already made our choice. We chose the right. Now, if we screw up, there are HUGE consequences. That is why we MUST be obedient. And what is the purpose of Covenants? Covenants enable us to become like God. That is the only way we can become as our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer. In short and Simple words, WE MUST CHANGE. Some people come on their missions and adapt for 2 years and return home as if they never left. But for me, and many others who take this work seriously and use it as a wonderful opportunity to change, True Disciples of Christ, will come, and change, and Return with Honor, and stay changed for Eternity. Not just a time. 

There are people who can do one handed push-ups and that's sweet as... But are they using all their Heart might mind and strength? No, They have two arms... Don't serve with one arm. Serve with both. Weather you are a member with a calling or not. A missionary, a football player, or just a friend. We all work better with two arms and can give a lot more effort when we use them both. 

To close it off I wanna leave you with a scripture I read this week as I was reading a talk by Elder Holland. 

Philippians 3:13-14

I ask you all to read these verses and ponder them in your hearts and let the Holy Ghost teach you what he taught me. Let him teach you exactly what you need to know. 

I love and miss you all! Sorry there are no pictures. I left my camera at home... 

Have a wonderful week!

Elder Swan

"It's not what you do or don't do, It's what you become."

Kei teka pe! 4/19/2015

Family Friends and whoever reads this,

This week was awesome. It was transfer week but to me it felt like any other week. We worked and were able to get a lot of things done. We have 5 investigators who we are planning on baptizing when they are ready. Only small things are holding them back. Pala, who we have been teaching for 2 transfers now, was baptized on Saturday. He is family with Elder Felemi and we asked his parents for permission 2 times and they said no about 20...  But Pala found us and said with or without permission I want to be baptized. So we went through with it. It was very Spiritual and a great moment to see someone we have worked so hard for and love so much enter into the waters of baptism. We just pray all will be well with him at home! 

So for transfers we are staying again! I think I will finish here. I really enjoy this area and the people in it.

So there are a few investigators as I said trying to build up their faith to enter the waters. Samipeni who we have worked about a transfer and a half on is SOOO close to being ready for baptism.. But some of the things he doesn't quite believe so we are delaying the baptism and just helping him out.

Ioapa Save is a new investigator and wants to be baptized also. His only problem is smoking. So we are helping him also 

Folita Nusi just got married to a member and accepted the invitation to be baptized, all we need to do is finish the lessons!

That's about it I love all these people and love helping them and watching them find the truth!

Sorry it was short... But Oh so sweet!

Elder Swan

Tyler, Bishop and Pala 

Elder Felemi shredding coconuts

We all need to re-invent ourselves... 4/12/2015

This week has been pretty good! Obviously Conference tops it off! We had a companionship exchange with the Zone Leaders and I had a good time with Elder Tangi meeting a lot of new less-active members! We didn't teach as much as we did last week but we had a few teachings and are planning for 2 to 3 baptisms this week! The work is going good but I would like to focus more on conference and the things I learned this week. 

As I sat through conference I had 10-15 questions I need answers to written down on a paper. I've been praying for answers for weeks and In the first session on Saturday morning they were all almost answered. So I thought "oh man, I need more questions, God is giving out free answers today!!" so I prayed and thought of more questions. I had all my questions answered except for 1... The one that is bugging me most haha. I guess God's letting me think this one out.. But I realized how much we all need to change. As the world gets worse and worse everyday we must get better and better everyday. I really enjoyed President Eyrings talk when he talked about "Distractions and Deceptions". Satan uses almost everything we have as a distraction to get us to fall. Cell phones, video games, movies, friends, drugs, books, electronics, and anything you can think of. As we take our minds off the prize and take a look in Babylon then we lose the spirit and lose what we could have learned that day. 

I also learned that after we have done all we can do to help loved ones who have strayed is that we must watch, and wait, and love. It may take 16 years. But God will work his miracles if we just give him room to do it!

I learned a lot of priceless things this week in which I'll carry with me to eternity.

I love you all so much.

Elder Swan

The Gospel is True~ 4/5/2015

Good golly miss molly this week was great!!

We got to teach 2 more new investigators and were able to set dates for them too!! How great is that!! The work truly is just flying! God is amazing and blesses us according to our faith to share the Gospel! There are so many people that are willing to listen they just don't know how to go about it. So that's why we need members to invite. Members are full-time finders! If they don't invite it makes the missionaries go knock doors which is very very ta'eaonga (Not useful). So we had a few members leave their comfort zone and invite some people to be taught!! Really taking a leap of faith!! Well both those investigators have baptism dates now. Now we just need to teach and watch the Holy Ghost testify of the truth and change them! Right now we have 7 investigators and 5 of them have dates and 3 of them are for sure. If you remember Pala whom we taught he wanted to get baptized but his parents wouldn't let him. So he turned 18 but in Tonga it is SUPER disrespectful to go behind the parents back and do it without them knowing. So we went and asked permission to baptize him. His grandpa is the head of the house so we asked him. He said No.. We began to bare testimony and try to explain why he wants to be baptized. He just began to say how "You have NO authority to do this work!!" "You guys are wrong!!" And mocking us. We went back again and that time he had a very big boil on his arm. He again started making fun of us by saying "If you have the authority you can take this off of my arm! Tell it to go away!!" So I told him that it requires faith on his part and that he had none in us. So I told him I would smack it instead and I walked up and acted like I was gonna hit it and he jumped back and we all just cracked up! If we don't talk about the Gospel with this man, he is very nice! But, we have to share the word of life!! Anyway, Pala came and told us "With or without permission I want to be baptized" So we thought about what may happen to him and prayed and thought about what to do. We thought that yes, maybe he'll lose his house on this earth, but God is preparing a mansion for him in heaven. The blessings of the Gospel are worth so much more than anything else. He see's that and will do what he can to get it! What kind of Faith is that??? If only we all had that faith to give all we have, our family, our house, everything, just to follow Christ. He is truly an example to me. 

So Due to conference next week, we plan to baptize them on the 18th! 

It was also Uike Fakaafe (Invite week) So all the members invited less-actives and non members to come to church!! It was PACKED!!!! It was so cool and really spiritual as we learned about the Atonement of Christ and all he did for us! 

That is about all I have to share with you! I know that Christ lives and loves us. I know that he has again restored his Gospel upon the earth and given us the proper authority to do his work. The priesthood authority can bring forth many mighty miracles if we but use it correctly and are worthy to use it. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Gods Kingdom on the earth.

I love you all and wish you a Happy Easter. About 2 years ago I opened my mission call in Draper Utah, 670 days later I have become a man. I have learned through many hard and tough trials and experiences that this Gospel is true. I have developed a sure Testimony of these things I teach everyday. I have become a Disciple of Christ. The gospel will always be the center of my life and I will always go where it takes me!

I love you all so much! God bless each and every one of you.

Elder Swan

I chopped the 2 chickens heads off...
They are sitting on the stump!!!

It's been a good week 3/29/2015

My new workout :)

This past week has been good! I have enjoyed working and loved meeting new people.

So we have an investigator that we have been teaching who is 23 and searching for answers. We've been teaching him for 3 weeks now and he has come to church 4 times!! When I say searching for answers I mean he is SEARCHING for answers! I have never taught anyone with so many questions!!! It is crazy. I learn so much from teaching him! He knows the bible really well (almost any Tongan knows the bible more than themselves...) and has so many questions! His biggest question was a difficult one to answer. He didn't believe that Jesus Christ was a God. So that was his question. We answered it the best we could without arguing with him and then just testified. For about another week he didn't believe it. We would just continue to testify and then move on. (We are really stressing learning by faith and if we shared every verse we knew about Christ being a God it would be more proving it to him. It would be us acting upon him and not letting him act for himself. Plus if he learns for himself he is more likely to gain a stronger testimony.) So one day at the end of the lesson he said "What if I still don't believe that Christ is a god when it comes to the day I'll get baptized on?" I explained we would delay the baptism and keep teaching him. He then said "Well, I was reading John 14 and as I read and pondered and prayed I felt that it was true, that what you guys said was true. I'm beginning to believe it!!" Man I was going crazy! I was happier than ever. So we set his date for next Saturday! Other than that we have been visiting a lot of my companions family trying to teach them!! They are really strong in their church's! 

This week we had 3 meetings. 2 leadership training's and one zone meeting.. We are learning the importance of learning by faith and how to help investigators learn by faith! We are inviting investigators to be baptized before we even start the first lesson. It has been fun trusting in the Lord and Holy Ghost to guide us as we ask in faith and invite these souls to come unto Christ. 

That's about it for this week! I love you all tons!!!

Ofa atu!!

Elder Swan

Getting Better 3/22/2015

Family,
I'm doing okay! I still have the rash and I feel tired and my muscles feel weak sometimes but I am doing good. I went to the hospital twice this week and they tested my blood twice. They said I could work because my blood was getting better! My joints hurt at first but they are good now. The sickness I had last year was different from this one. This was an upgrade from that sickness! There are different classes of it. I had a different type last year then got a new one this year, it's different but similar. It is from a mosquito bite and once you get it they say you can not get it again. I was inside all week until Friday and then we got some work done Friday and Saturday! We taught Sampeni and Pala and Tevita this week! They are all progressing investigators. We teach Sampeni every night now and he has TONS of questions, it is difficult sometimes but we just do our best! Pala is preparing for Baptism we just need to talk to his family!

Funny story about the cookie and muffin mixes you sent me.... I had 2 different members make them.. One was Okay but burnt and the other one was totally destroyed hahaha. She was like please don't tell your mom.. she'll hate me haha. It was so funny! She is actually the one feeding us tonight. She said she would go try to find some cookies at the fair and re-do it. The muffins were good and we still have 2 muffin mixes left and 1 small cookie mix.

I am getting better! I have to go though so I love you and miss you!!
Give dad a huge hug for me on his Birthday!

Ofa atu!
Elder Swan

Dengue Fever strikes again 3/15/2015

Elder Felemi and Elder Swan preparing food

Some of my friends

It was a really great week and me and Elder Felemi get along great! We have 3 or 4 progressing investigators and we are working hard everyday. I am not going to send a big email today because I am sick... I've got Dengue Fever.. It's like what I had last year but a lot worse this time I guess. The nurse just came over to see me and told me about it and what will be happening to me... Hahaha Crazy but I am OK. Right now I have a fever and really bad heart burn so we'll see what happens. I've got a lot to do this week and don't have time to be sick. The nurse told me to just rest and not eat to much and one day this week I will have to go to the hospital to check my blood!
I'm about dead so I think I am going to go to sleep! I'm sorry mom! I love you soooo much! Have an amazing day! Tell the family HI and that I love them!

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ME!!! HAHAHAHA I'm on the Lord's errand and I will be FINE!!!
Ofa Atu!!!

Note from MOM!!!
I asked Tyler what the nurse told him to expect and he said he didn't think he should tell me so I looked it up. Please keep Tyler in your prayers this week I know he could use them.


  Dengue fever is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person with dengue virus in their blood. It can’t be spread directly from one person to another person.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include

• Sudden, high fever
• Severe headaches
• Pain behind the eyes
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Skin rash, which appears three to four days after the onset of fever
• Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)

Sometimes symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for those of the flu or another viral infection Younger children and people who have never had the infection before tend to have milder cases than older children and adults. However, serious problems can develop. These include dengue hemorrhagic fever, a rare complication characterized by high fever, damage to lymph and blood vessels, bleeding from the nose and gums, enlargement of the liver, and failure of the circulatory system. The symptoms may progress to massive bleeding, shock, and death. This is called dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

People with weakened immune systems as well as those with a second or subsequent dengue infection are believed to be at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Treatment for Dengue Fever

There is no specific medicine to treat dengue infection.  You should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and see your doctor. If you start to feel worse in the first 24 hours after your fever goes down, you should get to a hospital immediately to be checked for complications.

Learning by Faith 3/8/2015

                             
I did get my packages. I got one last Monday and one today. 
It sounds like dad has a few big decisions to make and he needs to take it to the Temple. Big decisions always come up and we feel like we must ask man for help. For me I feel like I need to ask the Zones or President, but why in the world should we ask man when we have an all knowing and loving Heavenly Father. I've been studying a lot about Learning by Faith. There are 3 principles here. 
1. We need an assurance, or a problem to resolve.
2. Action. We need to do something about it.. Like go to the Temple, pray, ask, study and seek help.
3. Evidence. If we do step one and two there will be evidence. That is how faith works
In the book of Joshua it talks about these people who were asked to cross the Jordan river on dry ground. So their assurance or their hope would be "we want to cross this river." When they came up to the banks they didn't just stop and wait for the river to part so they could walk, they put their faith with action. They stepped in the water and began crossing it. The evidence was that the water parted and they crossed on dry land. I hope you can understand that. We can also think of Nephi when he was asked to get the brass plates. His hope or assurance was to get the plates, his action was going and doing so trusting in the Lord would provide a way. He went "not knowing before hand the things which I should do" 1 Nephi 4:6. Therefore his action was to go and do. He went! That was his action and the evidence was God put Laban into his hands and he took the plates!!
Do you see the importance of asking God and DOING! BE NOT HEARERS ONLY, BUT BE YE DOERS!

Transfers were yesterday! I'll be with Elder Felemi in Mu'a. I was in the MTC with him and yeah... we will see how it goes. My plan is to work him hard.  Hahaha~
Well I am out of time, we did have a baptism but I will write you about it. We are off to the dentist again for my companion. I love you all so much and will get back to you next week!
Elder Swan  

This is the nasty sucker that bit me!!!