Fwd: hi

Hello Everybody. 

This week has been really good. Sister Dam came to sacrament late so she couldn't get baptized but tomorrow she will be!

This last Tuesday I went on a switch of with Elder Chandler who is the District Leader here in Asoke. We were greenies together in Rangsit. He's really cool and a hard worker. We taught someone from China. She doesn't speak English so we had to use a translator. 

We had to do a lot of stuff at the office this week which is no fun but we found some cool people on the streets to teach but they don't live here or where missionaries are so we have to wait till they come back into Asoke. We met this girl named Jee and she's awesome. She wants to be baptized on the 23rd. She is so awesome. She told us she was looking for the truth and she feels happy every time she comes to church and learns with us. definitely found the truth. The Lord is blessing us with many miracles in finding his children that are prepared. 

We had a sports night at the church and we played chair ball. My team won every time. 

This week in personal study I was reading in my favorite book in the New Testament, John, and found a couple cool scriptures. It's in John 4:34-38. Jesus's disciples told him to eat and asked if there was anyone that gave him meat. This is Jesus's response. 

34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

It's similar to D&C 4 and talks about missionary work. The field is white already to harvest. There are so many prepared people looking for the truth and they can't find it. It's our job to help them come to know where the truth is. That's what I'm here to do in Thailand is to find those that God has been preparing before I met them. It's so cool to see the hand of God in people's lives and I'm so happy to be a missionary. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I love you all and miss you all!

Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission

1. District Dinner at Pres's House

2. Some members from Bangkapi

3. Role Playing at a Zone Conference

4. Brother Baw in Roi-Et and Elder Smith's RC. Some good food behind too.

5. Sister Aom's Baptism. I forgot to mention we had a baptism last Sunday. 

6. District Swenson's Trip

Fwd: More Pics of Chonburi

​​

Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission

Fwd: Go Pro Take a Photo

From: Colby John Decker <colby.decker@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Go Pro Take a Photo
Date: July 7, 2017 at 7:45:40 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <Robinlynnd@gmail.com>

Hello Everyone! Another awesome week down in Thailand. It's been a lot of fun here in Asoke this past week. A lot of traveling. Lots of late nights and early mornings. But it's a whole lot of fun.

So this past Saturday we went to Chonburi for P-Day as a district. It was awesome. We left early in the morning and rented a van to take us there. The van had lights and everything. We went to an Island and it was really beautiful. I took some pics cause that's what เที่ยวing is for. Lots of fun.

Sunday, we met this guy named Thomas from Germany and he's really cool. He likes to talk a lot. He's really cool though.

Monday, we had zone conference in northern Bangkok. It was fun. I'm getting really good at the presentation now. We had family night with Brother Ronnie (Ward Mission Leader) and some investigators and new members. We went to eat at KFC haha.

Tuesday, I had a little mini switch off with Elder Smith. He's dying this transfer as an AP. He's cool. Taught English class. Very fun.

Wednesday, We flew out to Roi-Et on a propeller plane. It was really cool. I've never flew in one before. I didn't know they still had those. 

Thursday, We had Zone Conference in Roi-Et and met Brother Baw. He's so funny. He took us out to eat. We were taking a picture with a Go Pro and he tried to tell it to take a photo a lot of times in his Thai accent and it didn't work. So one of us did it and it worked right away. But he's such a cool member. Really nice and humble guy. 

This Sunday, Sister Aom is going to be baptized which is so cool! She's really awesome and Sister Dam (Yes it is her name) is getting interview to be baptized today so I've been real blessed to be able to see all these miracles since I've been a missionary. Sister Dam called us and asked to learn with us which no one has ever called me asking to learn. It shows that God is putting us in paths to find those that are searching for the truth.

So this week, I just want to leave a little verse that I really like and it's in Enos. 

It's Enos 1:2 and it says:
2 And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins.

I love how he says wrestle in this. It's not an easy thing repenting. It's very hard thing to do but with God's help, and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed from our sins. As I've said in my past emails, people here don't know they can be cleansed from their sins. They think that they just have to do more good than bad. They still keep the sins and can't wash them away. That's why teaching about the Atonement of Jesus Christ is such a cool experience. You can see the Atonement of Jesus Christ changing their lives. 

In verse 4 and 5 it says:

5 And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
6 And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.

God will forgive us if we repent with sincerity. We won't have that guilt anymore. Repentance is such a beautiful thing and we can do it everyday. I am blessed to know that Heavenly Father loves us and he wants us to be happy. He's provided a way through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know this Gospel is true and that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World. I love and miss you all and hope you all have a good week!

Some pics of our adventure to Chonburi


Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission

Fwd: The Office Elders Have Landed

From: Colby John Decker <colby.decker@myldsmail.net>

Subject: The Office Elders Have Landed
Date: June 30, 2017 at 4:06:52 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <Robinlynnd@gmail.com>

Hello everyone! Another awesome week here in the Thailand Bangkok Mission. It was pretty legit. Last Saturday Sister Yeen got baptized. She said she wants to be a missionary in the future. She loves Joseph Smith too, we watched the Restoration Video with her. She's a cool person. 

Monday we had Family Night with Ronnie and we went to Sizzlers. It's been awhile since I had a good burger. Tuesday Tony came to the church and bought us Pizza. He's a cool guy. Wednesday, We met with Frank, Guy, and Jim and asked committed them to be baptized and they accepted. They are studying to be doctors at the university next to us and they're pretty smart. They ask really good questions. The problem is they have to school right now so it's hard to meet with them. But they all had cool stories about their prayer experience. Frank told me right after he finished praying I called him so it's pretty cool how God answers our prayers. Thursday we met with Milk, who said she can't get baptized because she can't follow the 10 commandments. She's so cool but is very so-so about everything haha. 

We also went to the Airport to fly to Udorn Thani for Zone Conference. We took this Taxi who took the longest way cause he was trying to get money from us. We made him run a red light haha. But the flight was cool. I haven't been on a plane for awhile so it's pretty legit. The security is way different here than America. So much nicer here. Friday we had zone conference and it was cool. We did the same training on Baptismal Records. Very Fun Stuff. Next week we're going to two zone conferences so it's pretty exciting.  

This week in my personal study, I was studying in Luke 22 about the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane and in verses 41-44 it says:
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast,and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven,strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

The Savior was in so much pain and agony and Heavenly Father sent an angel down to comfort him. It shows us the nature of both Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in these verses. Jesus was the perfect example of Obedience to Heavenly Father but also his love for mankind. Heavenly Father saw his child suffering beyond comprehension and sent an Angel down to comfort him. Heavenly Father loves his children. He does not like them to suffer. He doesn't put them in a position to fail because that's not a perfect being would do. He loves his children. He doesn't want them to be sad. When times get rough, we can look to Heavenly Father and the Savior to help us through our trials. This life isn't easy, we can make it through by ourselves. We need some major help to be able to make it through this life and through the Savior we can. The Atonement of Jesus Christ changes peoples lives and relying on the savior in times of trouble will not only strengthen our faith in him, but also we'll be more patient in our afflictions and have more happiness. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to be happy. I love you all and wish you all the best week!!!

Pics: 1. Plane Trip, 2. Sister Jean's Baptism!!!! 3.) After the baptism their was a rainbow. I thought it was cool. 4. the trash homies and 5. brother superman looking like a stud in all white.

Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission

Week 2 Transfer 7

Hello Everyone. 

The days have been flying by. I'm almost at my year mark and I still can't speak the language haha. But these days have been good ones in the office here in Asoke. We got lost a lot of times last week driving here but Heavenly Father has his hand in these things and I always find a way home. It really was finding through the spirit. The streets aren't that well organized so it's difficult finding places here. 

I have a new companion Elder Hatch who is from Nampa, Idaho. We had to take all the dying missionaries to the airport. It was cool. And we took all the vans to get a recalled part.

We had Zone Conference the other day and the Office Elders had to prepare a presentation about Baptismal Records and House money because people aren't doing their baptismal records right and sending them in late. It was very interesting presentation haha. I love speaking in front of big groups of people. Hahaha.

We went to the gym for P-Day and did the free trail thing and this huge asian guy on steroids took us on a tour and tried to sell us this expensive membership. It was pretty funny and the gym was really nice but that gym just isn't for me.

This week, we found a lot of cool new investigators. One of them is named Sister Aom. She is a christian sort of and she is really cool. She is so interested and accepted a date for the 2nd of july. This guy named Frank which I found when I was carrying a box of Books of Mormon came and brought 2 of his friends (Guy and Jem) who are really interested to. They actually asked questions. They're studying at a university here about being a doctor. 

We brought our little Burmese friend, Noy, to Stake Conference and back. He's so cool always asks when he's going to get baptized. So sad but God will find a way for him to be baptized whether in my time here or after. We have an investigator named Milk who does all of the commitments, but feels nothing from it. We even taught about the Holy Ghost and stuff and she still doesn't feel anything. But she's cool and plays basketball, so she'll be baptized for sure. Jean or Yean, is getting baptized today and she wants to be a missionary already. She was so prepared to learn about Jesus Christ and his Restored church. Also, my little 11 year old investigator from Buriram got baptized. He's so cool.

This week I was studying in Mathew Chapter 16 verses 13-18. It says:

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

I love these verses. It talks about Peter knowing that Jesus is the Son of God by faith not by him actually being there. Just because you see something doesn't mean you will have faith in it. Faith in Jesus Christ is more than just knowledge. You have to have action too or it's just useless. If you have a lot of good thoughts and say a lot of good things but don't ever do it, it has no benefit. Faith in Jesus Christ is more than just knowing that he is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. It's about trying to be more like him and following his teachings. We need to follow his example and follow his teachings. We all need to strive to be more Christlike in our lives. I know that by doing so, we will have the most happiness in our lives and will be able to return to live with him again. 

Love y'all and miss everyone! ขอให้มีสัปดาห์ที่ดี

Pics: Brother Moss who baptized my buddy from Buriram, Some pics of Asoke, action shot of me bowling, the subway, and the Bangkok Transportation System (BTS)


Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission

Fwd: Transfers

From: Colby John Decker <colby.decker@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Transfers
Date: June 12, 2017 at 8:27:58 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <Robinlynnd@gmail.com>

Hello everyone. This week has been good. It's transfer week so we're preparing for the crazy week. I don't have much time to email but these past couple of days have been good. 

This last Sunday, Sister Ying got baptized after learning about the church 25 years ago. It was so cool and the testimony that she bore was so good. It's really interesting how God prepares people way before we met them. 

We went bowling for family night with a guy named Francis who's from Ghana. He's so cool. He cant get baptized because he's technically not supposed to be here but he goes to church all the time. He's funny. 

My companion is leaving the office because everyone usually does 2 transfers here so I'll be getting a new companion soon. Next transfer the Office Elders are doing trainings at the Zone conference so it'll be a fun transfer. 

God knows each of us and he loves us more than we can imagine. God is real, and his son, Jesus Christ, gave his life for us so that we can be clean from our sins and return to live with God again with our families for eternity. This testimony is simple but there are millions of people who don't know this and are searching for this knowledge. I'm happy to be here in Thailand, spreading this good news to God's children that are here trying to find that missing piece in their life. 

I love you all and miss everyone! Have a good week. 

Pics: 1.) By our apartment 2.) Hans from Switzerland 3.) Sister หญิง Baptism 4.) Francis 5.) Bowling 

6.) Swensons

Fwd: Thai Driver's License

Sup everybody. It twas a gucci week. Another fun week like always. Asoke is a good area I really like serving in the heart of Bangkok. It's where I get to see all the Returned Missionaries and members from all around the world. We met a mormon family from Utah the other day at a Mcdonalds so it was pretty cool. A lot of miracles happen here.

 
This week we had to move a lot of boxes. I went to get my Driver's license and it was so weird. They check your heart rate and have you do 4 tests before you get it and watch a video. Test 1 is you say colors red, yellow, or green. Test 2 is you try to line a stick with another stick. Test 3 is you press the gas pedal when the light is green and press the breaks when it turns red. Test 4 is there is colors on the sides of you and you tell them what colors they are. Than you watch a video about driving in Thai which was like an hour long and than you get your license. So there's no driving involved. It's pretty funny. But now I'm legal to drive here haha which is a lot of fun. Don't really want to talk about it haha.

 
This week we met with the kid Shell again and he's so cool. Found out he's Thai but can't read in Thai only in English. He's such a homie. One of our investigators, Sister Ying, passed her interview for baptism. She was an investigator for 30 years and finally wanted to be baptized.  Sister Jean, our other investigator, sent me a text saying "Sunday18 I will baptism" and she wants to be a missionary. She's so cool. We met a lot of people this week who are potential to be baptized. There's this cool guy named Hans who's from Switzerland but born in some country in Africa. He says Sodom and Gamora was nuked by a UFO. He's here to play soccer and he's black and I like him a lot. He wants me to be roommates with him, which is very tempting. He also said he became a vegetarian because he watched Man and Beast Part 3. I see why. Brother Noy still can't get baptized cause he's still not married but he keeps on asking us. Such a cute little Burmese man just wish he could get married here. I love him. We're teaching a lady who sells grilled pork outside the church who's from Laos. She's cool. 

So this week in my personal study I was reading in 2 Nephi 32:3 which says

3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

I love this scripture a lot. It's not saying eat the words of Christ it's saying feast upon the words of Christ. It's more than just a little meal. It's a whole feast. There is so much of Christ's Gospel we can find in these days with the internet that is a spiritual feast. There's so much we can learn from the words of Christ each day. When we set apart time for the Lord we will be blessed. God loves us and the way he answers our questions is through exercising faith in him so we should be feasting upon the words of Christ and praying each and every day to receive the answers and help in our lives. Miracles are brought about by faith and faith is more than just a belief, it's action. We shouldn't be expecting an answer or help if we aren't doing something to get it. God loves each and every one of us and wants us to be happy. I know this church is true and am blessed to be serving his children here in Thailand. I love y'all and miss everyone. 

Pics: 1. Cool statue in a mall 2. Our RC's in a little lesson 3. Going to the Sky train 4. Old Pic of the baptism service awhile ago 5. old pic of our district on the beach I forgot to send out

Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission

Fwd: "I Wish that Mankind Won't Go Extinct"

From: Colby John Decker <colby.decker@myldsmail.net>

Subject: "I Wish that Mankind Won't Go Extinct"
Date: June 2, 2017 at 9:55:45 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <Robinlynnd@gmail.com>

Hi everybody! I hope your week was as good as mine but probably not cause I'm in the best place on Earth. Haha just kidding but not really. This week was actually really good. We met a lot of cool people contacting and have a lot of cool new investigators that are interested in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and accepted Baptismal dates. It's really cool how God has prepared people way before they met us. It's just our job to find them and teach them repentance and than baptize them as converts. 

One of my Investigators that was in Buriram just got baptized last Wednesday, and I had the chance to talk to her. Her name is Sister Deek. She's so cool and she was so excited to be baptized. It's crazy how much the Atonement of Jesus Christ changes people. The mission is so cool!

Last Sunday, President Johnson invited our district over to dinner and we had potatoes with stuff on them I don't know what it's called but it was nice to eat some American food. I love President and Sister Johnson. They're so cool and they sacrifice a lot for us. 

We had Zone Conference last Friday and it was really good. It was about teaching simply and the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. I also learned that we need to get referrals from everyone even people on the street who aren't interested in learning about Jesus Christ and being saved.

A Filipino Member came to Asoke to visit the church while he was on a business trip and he helped us invite and teach. He was so cool. He followed us around for a part of the day and took a video of us inviting and said he'll show it to his Young Men to encourage them. He was so cute. We met this girl named Jean who's a referral from Salt Lake and she's so cool. She spent the whole day at the church and helped us go out and invite people. She's so prepared and she said "She loves Mormon" so she's so ready to be baptized. Anyone that loves Mormon should be Mormon. This other Investigator named Brother Gang bought us cookies for missing his appointment. We found our little Burmese Investigator, Brother Noy, on the street and we set up an appointment with him again. He said his Burmese friend who's name he doesn't know, asked him to go to a Burmese church so he went last week but now he won't listen to him because The Church of Jesus Christ is the only one he will go to now. He's so cool.

We were inviting in front of the church the other day, and we met this 16 year old named Shell and invited him to come into the church and learn a little about Jesus Christ. He speaks English pretty well too and he was a cool kid. We taught him the Restoration and he was interested to meet again so we set up an appointment and we asked if he could say a prayer. He said he didn't know how to pray in English so we explained what prayer was and asked if he wanted to pray and he said yes. In his prayer he said "I wish that mankind won't go extinct." At first I thought it was funny because he was praying about mankind not going extinct but now that I look back I can see what he was talking about. Mankind is going downhill. Wrong is becoming right and people are becoming more and more worldy. It's not cool to chose the right and be a good person anymore. In Alma 45:11-14 it says

11 Yea, and then shall they see wars and pestilences, yea, famines and bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall become extinct—
12 Yea, and this because they shall dwindle in unbelief and fall into the works of darkness, and lasciviousness, and all manner of iniquities; yea, I say unto you, that because they shall sin against so great light and knowledge, yea, I say unto you, that from that day, even the fourth generation shall not all pass away before this great iniquity shall come.
13 And when that great day cometh, behold, the time very soon cometh that those who are now, or the seed of those who are now numbered among the people of Nephi, shall no more be numbered among the people of Nephi.
14 But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great and dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and shall become like unto them, all, save it be a few who shall be called the disciples of the Lord; and them shall the Lamanites pursue even until they shall become extinct. And now, because of iniquity, this prophecy shall be fulfilled.

Let's not become like the Nephites and become extinct. We have to stick to the basics and pray and read our scriptures everyday. Only this will help us in these days where sin is common and good is looked down upon. God hears and answers our prayers always. We just need to listen. I love you all and hope your week is a great one!

Pictures are: 1. In our van 2. Going to fix President's car 3. Our sick umbrella hats 4. A market we invite at 5. Dinner at a member's house who's family aren't members, and 6. Sister Deek's baptism

Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission

Fwd: Elder Quentin L. Cook Comes to Thailand

Begin forwarded message:

From: Colby John Decker <colby.decker@myldsmail.net>
Subject: Elder Quentin L. Cook Comes to Thailand
Date: May 26, 2017 at 8:36:53 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <Robinlynnd@gmail.com>

Hello everybody. This past week has been crazy. We had to prepare for Elder Cook at the office so it was a lot of cleaning and organizing stuff. So much fun. We haven't really had time for a P-Day. We also had to balance office work with missionary work so it's a lot of stuff to do and we're always busy. The days are flying by fast here and there is so many people here in Asoke. It's cool to see all the different types of people here in Bangkok. Everyone is in a hurry though so they don't have much time to stop and hear our message. But there are plenty of people here to talk to. 

The office is a good time and a new experience. We're teaching a guy named Brother Noy who is from Burma. He's so cool. He said he wants to follow God and be baptized but the problem is he can't get married legally here in Thailand and has to go back to Myanmar to get married which is a bummer. But it will all work out in the end. We dropped some of the Thai missionaries off at the Airport and took them through to security. I thought I wouldn't see the airport again until I went home but I got a chance to see it again.

So yesterday, Elder Quentin L. Cook came to Thailand, and all the missionaries in the mission flew to Bangkok for it. We spent a lot of our time preparing for it. He came a little late because he just flew overnight from India and I got to shake his hand. Since we're pretty much the AP's we sat at the very front right in front of the podium. So we got to see him up close and he's so cool. You could tell that he was called by God by the Spirit he brought with him. It was a cool experience. He talked about Temples and Family History work, and about teaching simply. He said he goes straight off the spirit and doesn't prepare anything. His testimony was so powerful. He said Apostles don't really like sharing spiritual experiences because they are personal and should only be said at appropriate times and than he talked briefly about one and it was crazy. After the missionary meeting, he met with all the members in Thailand at a hotel and the room was packed. There he talked more about the Temple and how you can prepare yourselves and Thailand for a Temple. 

So, in my personal study I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants 121 when Joseph Smith was praying to God in Liberty Jail and he was asking Him where he was after suffering for months in the jail. The Lord responded to his prayer and said, 

7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Everyone will face trials and hardships in life. It's part of life. Sometimes we will ask ourselves, where is God at this time in my life? Why is life so difficult? If we take a step back and realize that this time of trials or adversity is just a short moment. If we trust in God, and be patient in our afflictions, God will help us through the difficult times in life and help us overcome the challenges we will face in life. Faith in Jesus Christ will help us throughout our whole life have happiness even when times are rough. Salvation doesn't come easy and it shouldn't be easy. It's eternal happiness based on what we do here on Earth. I know that if we put our faith in Christ, we can return to live with him again with our families for eternity. God is real and he loves each and every one of us. Through faith in Christ we can see many miracles.  I love you all and miss everybody!


Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission

Fwd: Mother's Day

From: Colby John Decker <colby.decker@myldsmail.net>
Subject: Mother's Day
Date: May 14, 2017 at 9:35:30 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <Robinlynnd@gmail.com>

Happy Mother's day to all the mothers out there. I don't have a lot of time so I just want to send pictures of the two baptisms we had yesterday. They are Sister Noy and Sister Fang. There's miracles wherever you go and they happen all the time. And we also went to the beach :). Love you all and miss everyone! 

Elder Decker
เอ็ลเดอร์ เดกเกอร์
Thailand Bangkok Mission