Hey hey hey! December is here and that means Christmas! Here in Samoa they’ve been playing Christmas music since the middle of November and if you thought Thomas’s nonstop “Litte Drummer Boy” rendition was annoying you have no idea how much worse “Reggae Little Drummer Boy” is. I hear it all the time and it’s so bad. Haha here in Samoa they take every single song and set it to reggae music. It’s really something. All I really want to hear is a nice “Santa Baby”. Haha not really because I’m a missionary and should only listen to “Away in a Manger” and the like.
Hope all is well at home! Samoa is still beautiful and hot and amazing. This week wasn’t too busy but we had a couple good experiences!
Wednesday President Tolman came to a teaching appointment we had with one of our investigators! It was great to have him there and to have his input. He carries a little more ethos than some young men do and he was able to be bold in a way that my companion and I have trouble with at times. He taught us a lot as well as our investigator and we were able to get some good pointers from him afterwards on where to go from here. He’s an amazing man and an amazing leader. He truly is
called of God to lead the Samoa Apia Mission at this time.
I also gave my first talk in Samoan yesterday! The topic was “Lavea’i” it loosely translates to “rescue”. I focused my remarks around
Matthew 18:12-14 where Jesus talks about leaving the 90 and 9. We can all reach out to one individual that needs help and do as the missionary purpose says and “invite them to come unto Christ”. Whether it’s a ward activity, sharing testimony, or being a good example, we can all do something. I’m pretty sure that people understood the gist of what I said although my Bible reading is kinda rough. Practice makes perfect though!
I’m thankful for the opportunity to spend 2 full years doing what I can to rescue children of God and bring them closer to Christ. It’s a great opportunity that I’m thankful for everyday to preach in Samoa. I love the Gospel and I love Samoa.
I love all of you as well! There’s a Christmas package coming your way so keep an eye out for it!
Alofa atu,
Elder Doran Erickson
Island Life
Another day in the rain. They say proselyting in the rain makes your wife more beautiful so get ready for a 10/10 😉
We found this awesome waterfall in our area. Future baptism site?
The Moto’otua Chapel. (Also serves as the Apia Central Stake Center)
On the Straight and Narrow
Thanksgiving Dinner. Instant Noodles, Bread, and Koko Samoa
Elder Erickson in Samoa 