Week of Miracles that FLEW by...with some opposition...
P-day
was good; we went to Tai An with Brother Liu to pick tomatoes up in the
mountains. It was interesting to think of it as a parable for
missionary work. Some are more prepared than others. Some have scars
that require some healing. Our job is to put in our all to find those
prepared. The work is rewarding; the harvest is truly great.
We
played broom hockey for FHE. Elder Rauckhorst and I started running
every other morning (outta shape). We're using Facebook through the
members to help others come unto Christ and are seeing great success on
this front. We're working with the ward for 25 on the 25th. Our goal is
to have 25 investigators attend sacrament meeting on Christmas day. We
painted our room at the request of the Bu (HQ).
painting our room
English class was the
usual incredible experience it is. We talked about hamburgers...prayer
hamburgers that is and what makes a good burger.
Broom Hockey
The weather has been weird this week. It's been freezing at times, but today is warm and we are actually going to the beach later today. It made my day when Elder Hinckley associated me with Mace Windu this past week...I went on exchange with Elder Johnson this past week. He's incredible, a wonderful example and servant of the Lord. He works well, and he works for the right reasons. I was so very grateful to learn that my coming to Miaoli had been the answer to some fervent prayers on his part. The Lord is very aware of His children and their needs. I invented Chinese piglatin this week (something only we missionaries understand).
Asian stick dance: kind of like jump roping
Gathering to go caroling
practicing for ward party
The ward Christmas caroling activity was magical. We split into 3 groups and visited members, friends, and investigators all around Miaoli. The family we were with was constantly oohing and aahing as we went to visit our investigators in places they never knew existed even having lived in the area all their lives. I had kind of become disenchanted with the miracle it is until seeing it through their eyes, that we young men travel such vast distances (even to different cities and towns), find such incredible people to teach, etc. etc. It's a miracle.
Jessica gave
her farewell talk on Sunday.
She called out all of the missionaries and YSA for their examples in
various areas. She called me out for sincerity and diligence which
helped me realize I'm on track even if I'm not as far along as I
sometimes wish I was. We received news from a member who frequently
visits the mainland. She just got back from a meeting of the members in
Shanghai where there were over 400 in attendance. The Lord's work is
going forward unhindered by man! :D My studies have gotten a lot better
this week as I have shaped them more around the needs of our
investigators. Our investigators are doing great. We're working with 30+
people (this explains why things were so difficult to keep track of
before getting organized). They're asking wonderful questions and really
understanding the amazing message we missionaries have to share. This
week was over before it even seemed to start due to how busy we kept.
Believe it or not, next week is even crazier and then it's transfers
already....hard to believe...
Mountain majesty
Tuesday...a
day of gratitude. An attempt was made on our lives, but we were
protected from harm. I don't have a lot of time, but I will quickly
summarize. Elder Rauckhorst and I were on the side of the road
discussing our next move when a man pulled up and parked in the middle
of the street to the side of us. He was staring at us, but he wouldn't
speak despite our attempts to engage him in friendly conversation. He
then dismounted and got up in our faces a little bit leaving his
motorcycle parked in the middle of the street. He pointed at my name
badge and asked me what it meant. I told him "Jesus Christ." His
countenance darkened and he started flailing his arms like he wanted to
hit us. We stood our ground. He then mounted up and left again. We
thought it was strange, but mounted up and kept riding. I rounded the
corner right behind my companion and found he was in trouble. The man on
the motorcycle had swung around, cut through traffic, and made impact
with my companion on his bike. Luckily he wasn't going very fast at the
time. He backed out. That's when he saw me. His eyes were the scariest
thing I've ever seen (no light in them whatsoever and a lot of hate). He
hit the gas and charged me full speed as I came through the busy
intersection. It was crazy and all happened so fast. He took no thought
for his own life as he recklessly came straight at me through traffic. I
just barely managed to dodge him, but he was persistent. He swung
around and came around for a second attempt. My companion yelled out and
warned me just before he made impact. I lept from my bike without
stopping and was running when I hit the pavement. I ran into the nearest
store and screamed for help. The man (rather large and built) followed
me in with the intent
to do some damage. Then, he suddenly turned around
and went back out. He took my bike, lifted it over his head, and then
slammed it against the pavement. After which, he tried to go after my
companion again, but by this time there was quite a crowd and he was
simply gone. We were pretty rattled, but we did invite most all who
gathered to attend our upcoming ward Christmas party :) I know we were
protected from harm. And, even if things had turned out differently, I
trust in my Savior. If it had been my time, I would have been okay going
on the Lord's errand. My father was also in a dangerous situation on
the road this week, but he was also protected. Trust in the Lord. He
truly is mighty to save! (Clearly we are on the path the Lord wants us
to be on and the adversary is not pleased)
Meeting with wonderful families
We
have seen great success as we have met in homes to either share a
message or a meal with the members. I've seen the blessings in my own
family as we've invited the missionaries over in the past. Please keep
the missionaries in your thoughts and prayers this Christmas. Keep them
busy. Invite them into your home, and they will invite the Spirit to
come into your life in greater abundance as you do so. As you invite in
the representatives of Christ, you invite Him into your home and into
your life.
I love you all!! Merry Christmas!! Remember Christ as you celebrate Christmas this year! :D
All is well,
Elder Dickson
No comments:
Post a Comment