Sister and Elder Duncan: 3/12/24

 Laie Mission March 2024

Aloha Family and Friends,

We are so grateful for each of you, the love and joy we have felt. Thank you for your support, we really have felt and appreciated your prayers, letters, phone calls, texts, and visits. 

Yes, we are being a bit reflective because we hit our one-year mark. We have six more months to wear our name badges, enjoy the beauty of the island, and our little apartment on Moana street in Laie, Hawaii. We have never lived a block and a half from the temple before and it is a great experience. 

Viktor Frankl said: " When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves." This reminds me a lot of our missionary experience. When I think of this statement, I think of the importance of the temple. With all that is going on around us, most of which we have no control over, we can attend the temple to find the peace of our Savior. As we walk into His house, we put the world behind us and focus on helping to gather Israel. As we help others receive their ordinances, and the opportunity to be bound by covenants to our Savior, our hearts are changed.

Come Follow Me last week, 2 Nephi 19:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

 

A few weeks ago, we went with a sister who we work with at the PCC to the temple. She had not been to church for years and didn't feel worthy. Some of the senior missionaries told her she needed to talk to her bishop. She finally made an appointment and went and talked to her bishop. She now has her temple recommend and has done temple work for her mother & grandmother. Her husband isn't a member, but he asked her to do the work for his mother also. It is amazing how much her decision to go back to church and attend the temple has impacted her family already.

The impact of deciding to change oneself, through repentance and becoming a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) is one of Heavenly Fathers greatest gifts. I know that I'm so grateful for second and third chances because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. To be able to partake of the sacrament each week and start fresh is an amazing blessing.

We have been so blessed to be able to be here and meet so many new friends, and have so many friends come visit. The Lord is definitely in the details of our lives.

With Much Love and Aloha!

Dan & Stacy

Elder & Sister Duncan