Serving the Lord in Samoa: Rejoice in the Struggle

This Monday we had a district meeting and the zone leaders walked in towards the end. They read a scripture with us out of 3rd Nephi 11 and then broke the news that an Elder in our mission had passed away the night before. Elder Patiole and his companion were walking on the side of the street Sunday night to an investigators house (whose baptismal date is this weekend). They were walking with a bunch of kids and saw a car swerving and going super fast. They tried running and Elder Patiole got hit and died shortly after. It was a drunk driver. When they broke the news it was super sad but I am so thankful to have a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. Everyone in our district shared their testimonies and it was a really special experience. My district leader had just been companions with him so that was really sad also. I did not know Elder Patiole since I have only been here a month, but his area was really close to ours. I know Elder Patiole is continuing his missionary work on the other side. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and his Atoning sacrifice that makes it possible to all live with our Heavenly Father again as a families.

Also this week, my companion got a boil right next to his eye. That boil turned into a couple more boils. So we have had to stay inside for like 5 days. It has been super hard just sitting inside and reading. Yesterday we were able to get back outside at nighttime so that is good. He has like 3 boils near his eye, a fever, and a tooth problem. The good news from this is we went to the hospital for him and on the way back the Senior Sister brought us to McDonalds. I was soooo happy. Double Quarter Pounder had never tasted so good. Unfortunately, we had to go to the hospital during Penny's baptism. I felt so bad we were not able to make it. She told us the next day at church that she cried really hard because we couldn't make it. All that matters is she got baptized though so that is exciting, I don't have any pictures though since I wasn't there. The hospital here was so sketchy. As we were walking out the power went out to the hospital and I wasn't surprised at all haha.

I know the Lord always shows tender mercies when it gets hard. I know miracles truly do happen. Even though this week was tough I am really looking forward to this next week. Also, I saw Elder Pangai this morning so that was super exciting. Sooooo good to see him.

Elder Roberts