Book of Mormon Challenge

 December 5th Letter

Hello Family! and Friends!

I am having a great time in Puerto Princessa, I have a big zone and am doing my best to get to know all of the missionaries here. It is hard because 4 of them are on an island where I will not be able to go visit. (The one with zebras and giraffes). I also learned that Palawan in the favorite vacation spot of Brad Pitt, I hopefully will have the opportunity to teach him sometime.

We are working really hard and trying to find those who are prepared to hear the message of the Restoration, we have found a whole lot of people that are ready to listen, but they seem to have trouble acting on what they hear. I have been blessed so much, in the past few months, I will admit I was a little bit bummed to be leaving my last area and my trainee, but I know that I am supposed to be here. I have a lot expected from me in the zone, but I am super excited and going to put my shoulder to the wheel. :)

I am pretty excited with my new apartment, we have a washing machine, which I think sometimes people take for granted.. I know I did back home. It makes laundry pretty easy, but the only problem is that it shocks you, but it does not hurt all that much. It actually reminds me of my last area and our lovely toaster oven...

I have met a lot of people since I arrived here 5 days ago, and I am enjoying getting to know them. I had a sad experience a couple days ago with an investigator. We taught them for the first time (my first time, probably the 5th time overall) and I really love them, I connected with them real well, and they are just really fun to teach. One of them was unmarried and pregnant, she was separated from the babies daddy, and living with her friends in a boarding house. She had come to church and was reading and marking her scriptures. We came back, and things did not feel right, we saw candles lit in the house, and we decided to go and talk to them. Her little baby, was a stillborn and they were preparing for his funeral. I had never seen any person that young dead before. It was hard, we offered a prayer, and told Sister Jane we loved her, and if she needed anything she could always call us and we would be there for her. I do not fully realize what they felt, or what they believe will happen to the child. It makes me even more thankful for the Gospel and the Restored Church, to know that the Plan of Salvation is made perfect and fair. We have been able to give her hope, and will continue to do all we can, so she can gain a full testimony and know for certain the plan that has been prepared for her and her family.

Sometimes life does not seem fair, I realize that some people do face very big trials, and in my life I never really have, I do not fully understand the things that people have to go through. I have come to the knowledge that everything we teach is true, I know for certain that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that everything which we face in this life is for our own good, Heavenly Father does not put obstacles in our way that would keep us from returning back to Him. I know I am weak, and I really am not able to accomplish much on my own, but I find strength in so many things.

I would like to offer a challenge to everyone who reads this letter, and I would challenge you to challenge others to do the same; read The Book of Mormon from cover to cover. With something to mark with, using the color yellow (yellow is best) mark every single reference to the Savior, whether it be pronouns or any reference made to Him. Go through and also mark His words, whether it be from His mouth or in circumstances where the Prophets say "Thus saith the Lord," or in similar instances. You will be amazed, this book as we know testifies of Jesus Christ, but I am guessing, (just a guess) that most of the world does not realize just how much the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ. I promise you as you do this challenge you will grow in faith, and you will be able to use the Book of Mormon to invite others to come unto Christ. This challenge is for members of the church and non-members. Give away Books of Mormon to those you know, and challenge them to do the same, maybe we could get the whole world taking the challenge. If you start today you will finish around August, if you can keep a 1 chapter per day pace. I know you can do it.

I love you all! Especially my little Devin,

Love Elder Munk

I actually love you the same, but I needed to let Devin know.