Investigators who rock!

Talofa oku kaiga mo oku taugasoa!

It is such a sweet blessing from Heavenly Father to be a missionary in Tuvalu. I was really worried that having spent nearly two months in Fiji, the people of Tuvalu would be less prepared to recieve the gospel. Boy was I wrong! I prayed every night for Heavenly Father to take care of my investigators and members here in Tuvalu, and I felt in my heart, "I will take better care of these people even than you can, so don't worry about it." He really did take care of them. We now have thirteen investigators that we will be preparing for baptism in October. Unfortunately, I probably will be unable to be here for the baptism. It doesn't matter though, if I'm present or not, as long as we get them all there.

One particular case is with a lady is named Hetagi. Before when we taught her, we had committed her to baptism but I had thought she said yes just because she didn't want to hurt our feelings or something. I didn't sense real commitment, but when we came back, Elder Momoisea and I went to visit her and within the first ten minutes she asked when she can be baptized. We were very surprised and excited and explained that we are planning one in October (we still don't know the day because we don't know what day you'll be coming for sure yet.) She was sick this week and unable to attend church but I feel confident she will come next week.

Another one is Loia. I think I've mentioned her before. We have been teaching her since April and she only came to church once. Well, Elder Momoisea and I decided we would do everything we could to help her come to church and we decided to walk together. While we were walking, one of the members picked Loia up so she could get there faster. She told us later that she really enjoyed church and she even walked home with another investigator named Moeava.

Moeava is a boy that is nineteen and he drinks and smokes, but he really wants to change his life. Before, I don't know if he was that committed, but now he is excited. He told me, I really want to change my life, please keep coming. He has quit smoking for a few days now, but smoking is a hard thing for many people to quit. He's strong though, his faith is strong in Jesus Christ.

There are so many others that are so ready to be baptized, we just have to finish the lessons and wait for the interview. Michael and Ue, Eti's family, Jo, Hetagi, Loia, Moeava, Nauala and Lilo, and Molesi and Tom hopefully will get baptized in October. I'm so excited for them!

I really love the people here in Tuvalu! It makes any hardships that we might face worthwhile because I know I will get to see them and to help them.

I know this church is true! Have a great week! I love you all!

--
Elder Paul Leland Hill
Fiji Suva Mission