If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

The work in Hallam has been going okay with the investigators that are more independent with their commitment keeping. Unfortunately my companion has been sick on and off and had this incredible back and leg ache/pain cramp thing that apparently people from the islands tend to get when they come to a place that has really cold weather combined with unhealthy eating. My companion couldn't even walk very much on Saturday, we had to go to this Samoan member in our ward who basically massaged the pain out of him and he's feeling a lot better now. 

But last week we did see some good miracles which I'll share. We got in contact with a referral and he's a very nice Peruvian guy! I tell you in Australia you do get the chance to teach and baptize all nations of the world. This Peruvian guy was very accepting of the gospel and of being baptized if he knew that what we were teaching was true. We're excited to see him progress. Yesterday also brought a good experience. We gave some blessing to two investigators, a man and his wife and the spirit was very strong. The man commented that he felt the power of the blessing and that he thought it interesting that we had the Priesthood of Melchizedek. I just told him I was a normal guy and that this is a service from God. This past week I've reflected on that thought - how really the Lord just calls normal people to serve him and bear his authority to teach people the restored Gospel. I am profoundly grateful that I got this opportunity to do this for him. I've learned that while on a mission that by myself, I can't do much. The way the Savior's grace works is it is an enabling power that provides us all the strength we need and more if we humble ourselves and follow him. The Savior taught that in Mathew 16:24, very naturally we by ourselves tend to indulge in worldly things, but if anything, a mission gives any young man or women a chance to deny themselves all ungodliness and a way to take up their cross to follow the master. I'm grateful to call him my Master. I'm going to continue working hard to bring as many people as I can to the fold of God before I return home. I've still got 3 weeks so please pray for me! Elder Kaanapu

P.S Mathew 16:24 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."