Kia Ora Whanau!
This week we walked by a bus stop and a man who was rolling up his cigarette stopped us and asked what the 10 commandments were because he had forgotten. So we sat beside him and showed him a way that he can memorize the 10 commandments using hand gestures. It was a nice unexpected teaching moment. The man then said that he is fearful that what if he accidentally kills someone while trying to defend himself or what if he accidentally breaks a commandment? He then got up and left really quickly, and I feel sad that I couldn't tell him that God would not condemn him if he accidentally breaks a commandment. That God is our loving Heavenly Father and that He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts, and He wouldn't punish us for something like that. It makes me sad that people have a fear of God and don't know much about His loving character. I know that He is our loving Father, and that He wants us to live with Him again. That is why He gave us His Begotten son. How great is the love of God, the fruit of the Tree of Life!

It's been a nice week, we taught a 9 year old girl about prayer. She was very interested in God and wanting to speak to Him. It gives me true joy being able to help someone start a relationship with their Father in Heaven.
I love being a missionary!
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

This week was interesting. A lady named Michelle went on the church website and I was the one to answer her questions. She wanted to learn more about Christ and how His Atonement works. She has been thinking about Him lately and just realized that she needed Him. People around her have been saying that "There is no such thing as sin." But she has been thinking that there is more to life than just "Earthly laws." I was able to bear my testimony that is there more to life! And that Christ lives and He is the one that can take away our sins. Long story short, we are friends now and she is reading the Book of Mormon 🤗♡

We had zone conference this week at the Church History Museum. We learned that we need to embed the Character of Christ within us AND rely on His Atonement in order to reach Exaltation. In 2 Nephi 27 it says:
"Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am."

We need to strive our best to being selfless, loving, righteous, honest, etc. I would like work on being more humble.

This week was full of contacting referrals. Oh and Grandad, nanna Kathy, auntie Jazz, Damon, and Baby aleah visited me at church this Sunday. It was a pleasant surprise. I definitely have felt a downpour of Heavenly Father's love many times this week, even at times when I feel unworthy. He is wonderful.
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Nawton, Hamilton

I am now serving in the Nawton, Hamilton area! It was really hard to say goodbye to those in Taupo. I grew to love the people there so much. But I am excited to know what Hamilton has in store for me.

Well, it is where most of the family connections are of course. Attending church for the first time was amazing! Everyone we meet would say "Oh! Welcome to the ward Sister- *glances at nametag* ... WIHONGI?!" and then we would chat and they all would tell me how they had a crush on Uncle Jody, was bullied by Uncle Scott (uncle scott you egg haha), admired Grandpa Barney, etc. and the conversation would end like this, "Well, I'll make sure we put you sisters down on the meal roster! Let's have a meal together this week!" and then my companion would tell me later, "Man, all these members never fed us before. oi oh eh!"

My new companion is Sister Meto! She is a shortie from Fiji! She is half Fijian and half Kiribati, and you don't want to mess with her. She is small but sassy, a true savage and likes to get into mischief. (She is Rocket Raccoon). It is Hilarious being her companion, she is also really pretty!

I am also called to the OTC (Online Training Center). When people go on the Church's website, they are given options to Chat with an online missionary, receive a free book of mormon/bible, request missionary visits, request online bible studies, and they all go to us. We often help people on their path to conversion over video calls! People from all over the world! The OTC has a goal of having 150 baptisms by the end of this year and they are already half way through. Yesterday, I had my first call with someone named Michael from Nigeria. He is currently going through a lot in his life and decided that God can help him. So he came on our website seeking for answers and also requested a bible. It's a miracle to witness the Lord's work hastening even more through technology. His work is going in a rapid pace, all over the world! The prophecy is being fulfilled and It won't be long till our Beloved Savior returns again, time is running out! His Church is true!

Within Nawton, there is a baptism coming up this saturday for a 12 yr old boy in a returning member family. There is a lot to do here which is lovely! The more work, the better!
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

I had exchanges this week and I was with Sister Taito in Rotorua. Sister Taito is my STL and she is from Fiji. We had a lot of teaching appointments and we read the Book of Mormon during many lessons. During exchanges, I learned how to give more meaningful promise blessings and to stop feeling fearful of high expectations. The Lord only asks for my best, and He will cover the rest. And I need to stop telling myself that my best is not enough. And that goes for you too.
This week we also got to meet our new mission President and his wife! President Erekson is from Boise Idaho, he is very funny and also very spiritual. I know he was called to New Zealand for a reason. After meeting with him with our district, he told all of us to "meet me at McDonald's, I'm buying all of you lunch." Haha so we got to know him more over lunch.
We have been seeing a nonmember, Lucy, who was found by the Elders ages ago. She wants to be baptized, she just has a hard time quitting smoking. We are going through the Addiction Recovery program with her. Lucy is very special and cares so much. She loves church and learning more about Christ, she has a strong testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon already. She has a talent of crocheting and knitting. She has knitted me and orange blanket and some slippers! I love her so much, and I'm amazed at how much she's changed and grown ever since learning about the gospel.
My companion and the other sisters surprised me with a cake for my "6 months" or one-third of being out on the mission. It made me realize how fast time is going, and that I need work even harder because time is running out! I don't want to take this time I have to share the gospel for granted. There is no place I'd rather be than out here and serving the Lord. I know He lives. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Also thank you Auntie Heather and Uncle Scott!♡