My email is written a little differently this week. I took some notes/journal entries from my phone and pasted them in with some minor modifications.
With Elder Steffen and Elder Robbins (his trainer)
Where is his bike seat?
Ritz crackers!
Elder Steffen making a mean arepa
muffin mash
Star Wars in Taiwan :)
With friends from previous areas
A Softened Heart-The Starbucks Friend
I met him the first time about a week and a half ago. Prior to that time Elder Robbins and Elder Steffen had known him and seen him on a regular basis for months, but they said he hadn't been receptive to hearing anything about the gospel. Regardless, he was a good friend and liked the missionaries. I didn't waste time making our purpose clear when we first met. He told me the missionaries didn't talk to him about Jesus or church-related things. I felt to press him a little further. In Elder Steffen's own words, he said it was like turning the fire hose on him after playing with a squirt gun. I pressed on, and he didn't resist. At the second appointment he was willing to listen to what we had to share, but he still didn't seem overly excited about it. And then tonight. Tonight he sat there waiting with the scriptures placed on the table in front of him. We tried some small talk, and he cut us off, "Let's get started," he said. He was entirely open to our share, and we could've shared even more had we anticipated such a remarkable change. His heart has been softened. He came to church for the first time yesterday. Only the Spirit could have wrought such a mighty change in his heart.
Impromptu Testimony Meeting following Zone Leadership Meeting
During the closing prayer I felt we should have a testimony meeting. I brought up the impression, and the zone leaders jumped on it. The Spirit was oh so powerful. Each district leader, the zone leaders, and the sister training leaders each shared their testimonies. Afterwards, a Taiwanese sister said she understood every word that was said. Through tears, she expressed that she hadn't understood almost anything that was said during the zone meeting or the ensuing leadership council, that her English wasn't good enough and she felt she had taken nothing away and only felt down on herself that she couldn't understand. But, she, through the medium of the Spirit, perfectly understood each and every one of our testimonies. I remember, and feel now as I write this up, the Spirit coming over me in waves of warmth and comfort and confirmation. The Spirit bore powerful witness of the many truths spoken: Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, this work is the Lord's work, and many more. However, one sister's testimony had the most powerful effect on me. She bore testimony that Heavenly Father knows exactly what we go through in His service every second of every moment of every day. He is aware of our service and sacrifices on His behalf. He loves us dearly, and He is proud of our humble contribution. He has a plan for us, and it is His will that we be where we are at this time. He knows. He understands. He watches. He listens. And He prepares the way ahead. I know this is true. Heavenly Father is aware of you. He loves you. And your future is secure in His loving hands.
on exchanges
View from the zone leader's apartment
with the Zone
No Effort is Wasted
I make a sincere effort to talk with EVERYONE! I do a pretty good job of it too. However, there is the occasional situation in which we really are rushed to make it to a pressing appointment of some import, and all we can rightfully do is shout out a joyous "Hello!" or "Merry Christmas!" with a wave and a grin. I've heard stories from people who once had a missionary smile at them in passing and later as a result determined to talk with missionaries and join the fold. There have been many time on my mission when I've stressed over biking past the prepared, but I don't think that would happen without us receiving a prompting to stop. We're planting seeds. The smallest act of kindness is greater than the grandest intentions. Never worry about what you might have done when you're engaged in doing what's right. You can't be in two places at once, and the Lord will magnify your efforts. No effort is wasted.
101 in the clouds (it's in the zone leaders area)
Pretty fountain
The chapel on a clear day!!
Our investigator's rendition of Alma 32
Follow the Spirit
We got back from zone meeting in the late afternoon yet to make plans for the day or do any studies. The rec. center made sense as a place to go for some planning, and it felt right. It felt right. We met an 阿公(a Grandpa) there. We spoke like old friends. We laughed together. Before long, we both couldn't do anything to wipe the grins off our faces. He told me of his children and grandchildren and of his current homeless status and the struggle to find work. I shared 2 Nephi 25:26 "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." with him and testified. We set up to meet next week to give him his own personal copy of the Book of Mormon. He asked to take a picture together and gave me a small gift he insisted on my taking. It felt right.
with my new friend
using the gift he gave me
the train station
Intense game of chess
Conclusion
I know this is the Lord's work. This understanding hasn't made the work any easier, but it certainly has made it more enjoyable and taken away unneeded and undesired stress. We work hand in hand with God. Though our contribution be minute at best, through the infinite and eternal power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ it is enough. Thank you for all you do! Merry Christmas!!!
with the choir
All is well!
Elder Reed Dickson
