Missionary Report No 65

Who is the odd man out?

Monday, 26th June 2023

In the afternoon I had time for a kitesurf. I am getting much better at foiling and not having so many crashes now. Although at the end of the session I did crash and my right foot didn't come out of my footstrap, so the end result was a slightly sprained ankle.

This evening, we were invited to the Taula's for dinner which we enjoyed very much. We shared a message, which their son's non-member girlfriend, Nai, enjoyed and asked a lot of questions about. It was a good discussion. She's a lovely girl with a genuine curiosity about the Gospel.

Tuesday, 27th June

In the morning we had District Council Meeting which we take in turns as Seniors to attend.

In the afternoon, Murray went for a walk and after passing a couple, he realized he knew the lady, Lorraine Fimmel, who is from Geelong but living now in Cairns. He waited for them to come back and was able to talk with her.  They are heading off overseas but will be back in August so plan to catch up then.

In the evening we dropped off a meal to a couple who have Covid.

Wednesday, 28th June

Today we spent preparing a meal for Paul and Jaki.  Paul is someone Murray has met kitesurfing and become good friends with.  He knows everything you need to know about coconuts and has just recently been filmed for a documentary about coconuts. In his younger years, he travelled to America and spent a short time in Salt Lake City and knows some members of the Church. Jaki has strict dietary requirements but we managed to cook a meal that all enjoyed.

We gave them a copy of the Book of Mormon and also a copy of "Daily Joy" written by President Nelson.

Thursday, 29th June

Spent the day getting the place ready for an inspection. 

In the evening, Murray taught the Gospel Study class which was enjoyed by all who attended. We have a couple of new members attending, and they enjoy having some extra contact mid-week, plus there are a couple of single members coming who enjoy the extra contact as well.

Friday, 30th June

Cass Bell and Margot and the Parker children.

                                                   

Some of the branch members
heading out on the Lake Tinaroo

We headed up to Lake Tinaroo where Branch 2 was holding a camp. A beautiful spot.  Those camping were told to leave their bonnets up so a white tail rat doesn't eat the wiring in the car. The youth along with some adults were enjoying canoeing and stand up paddling.  Murray was annoyed that he didn't think to take his board. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay for the Talent Night as we needed to be back in Cairns for an activity Yoriko had organised at the Esplanade for Jarique who was getting baptized on Sunday.  We left well fed.

Then in the evening we had a zoom meeting with several senior couples to organize the upcoming Seniors Conference which is going to be held in Townsville from September 12 to 14.

Saturday, 1st July

In the morning we picked up a sister from hospital who had had an operation the previous day. 

The elders then called to see if we could be present when they taught CJ and Monty.  Monty has agreed to be baptized which was exciting. Prior to that, we were able to visit a sister who lives close by and finds it difficult to attend church due to health challenges.

Sunday, 2nd July

Attended both Branches.  We had a busy time picking up and dropping off members to attend both branches. The baptism had to be postponed. 

Then we found out this evening those who are being transferred.  We are losing Elder Bergeson, who we will miss and Innisfail is gaining Elder Dollery who was serving here when we first arrived.  So everyone is excited about that!  Also Elder Jaussi, who is from America, is heading to Atherton.