Missionary Report No 55

North Queensland Zone Conference via Zoom 

 Monday, April 17th, 2023

Even though I am doing most of the writing now, Murray is still adding his bits. We finally received today five cartons of Books of Mormon.  We had run dry and the elders were anxiously awaiting their arrival.  This morning we were up at 5am to teach seminary which is from 6 to 7am.  We are only filling in for today and tomorrow.  Four turned up but there were a lot more folders for other students in the box.  Murray did a great job getting through the lesson with his sore back.

Tuesday, April 18th

Again we managed to make it to seminary on time. We had one less this morning and I helped with the teaching. They have two seminary groups and some do it via zoom.  I am not sure how many students are enrolled but I am guessing it would be in the twenties. Murray should know as he has been asked to be the supervisor for Seminaries and Institute. He is finding it is requiring more of his time than expected.

Had to buy another bike for the elders today as their other bike got stolen. It was supposedly locked and they figured out the combination. They left the lock and helmet. We are wondering if that is because the helmet is a bright yellow.  This is the second time the elders have had their bike stolen. The previous time they didn't lock it because they were just going to make a very quick visit. However, they managed to retrieve their bike the next day. The upside is that the elders think one of the employees at the bike shop might be showing an interest.

Wednesday, April 19th

This afternoon we had Zone Conference from 1 to 4pm. We had the elders over for lunch prior which also included the Atherton elders so we had a total of eight. We are truly blessed with the elders we have serving here. 

In the evening, we had our last Temple Prep. class. One of the couples lives in Weipa and they joined by zoom. The other couple live close by. We have enjoyed doing the course with them.

Bro Rea teaching Seminary

Thursday, April 20th

Today Brother Rae who is in charge of Seminary and Institute for this region flew up from Brisbane and taught the Seminary class in the morning and Institute class in the evening.  Both were well attended. Josh and Bethany, who the elders are presently teaching, attended and told us they are now engaged.

Institute class

Friday, April 21st

We had flat and car inspections this morning. They both passed with flying colours and now that we have to rate the cleanliness of the cars from 1 to 10, they are a little more particular.  Murray was able to get in and out of the car but a little sore afterwards. He went for treatment again from the Bowen therapist who is in his mid-seventies and finds him very good. What is also good is that he is able to walk to and from his clinic.

Saturday, April 22nd

This morning Murray ran his Tai Chi class. He had one student turn up and he was surprised that he was able to do all the movements though with some he was restricted. He has decided to open it to the public restricting it to six.  So far he has 3 definites for next week and a couple of possibilities.

In the evening Yoriko came for dinner and then we went together to the missionary fireside in the evening.

Sunday, April 23rd

Today it was announced at church that they will be making some boundary changes in a couple of weeks.  It will be interesting to see the outcome. The elders in both branches had some of those they are teaching attend which was exciting for them. The Second Branch had Sandwich Sunday and surprisingly there was food left over which the elders always end up being the recipients of. One of the members who had had a massive heart attack about three months ago and only 36 was there and bore his testimony. They had to spend over an hour trying to resuscitate him and was then in an induced coma for two weeks. The progress he has made is a miracle and he has attributed it to all the prayers of the members. He is presently having to go to Brisbane for specific brain therapy as there is a section of his brain which identifies written symbols which has been severely affected.

Murray did another interview for Gather In this afternoon with a convert who attends Branch 1.  She served her mission in Tokyo, Japan and served in the same mission and at the same time as Adam Roberts. Her husband who is a member of the extensive Luki family, also served in Japan.