Well, just to let you know, that every six weeks on Monday is transfer day and we will have our p-day on Monday. So, six weeks from now you can have a letter prepared for that day!
I said goodbye to Elder Barton. Oh man, I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am for Elder Barton. He is such an amazing elder, holy moly, with so much faith. He helped me out so much because he was a great friend who knew who to be stern when he needed to be. He has a gift for seeing people at their full potential, so he knows when to put pressure on. It can be really frustrating at times, but it’s because he cares so much that I reach my full potential, in my language, in my studies, in my faith... everything. He can do it with investigators, too. Elder Barton has such a special spirit with him, I'm thankful for him.
Before he left, we had an opportunity to focus a lot on Joyce. Joyce answered the question, “If you had the choice to be baptized right now, or NEVER, which would you choose?" It took her two days to decide, but when we brought President and his wife over to attend our lesson with Joyce, she answered, “I guess I would choose to be baptized.” Ha, ha, ha, that was huge!!!!! She still doesn't think she's ready to become a Mormon yet, but she's still progressing, oh so slowly.
Her whole family came to church yesterday for the 1st TIME!!!!!! Even the grandma came! She's such a cute lady. That night we went to Joyce's house to play games and say goodbye to "Cody", (Elder Barton. She insists on calling us by our first names.) We had so much fun. We sang, “God be with you to will meet again”, and as Joyce started saying the prayer, she started crying. She loves missionaries so much. She's so close, just still a little prideful, and scared, I think. The ward here in Sanchong is really good. They all know Joyce really well because we made prayer cards for their family.
My new companion is great and he will be good for Joyce because he is very humble and has a huge heart. His name is Elder Tuveson. He is short like Elder Barton, but extremely, extremely humble. He would never correct me on my Chinese because he is flat out TOO humble, so that will be a change. I'm going to learn so much from him. He's a lot different from Elder Barton, who would never stop talking about faith and charity and things that he recently learned. We'd always “pick” on each other and make jokes, it was so much fun. Elder Tuveson is a lot more quiet, but extremely obedient and dedicated and perfect for this Su family!!!! I'm so excited to get to work with him. I'm going to be “killing” two missionaries in a row though, because Elder Tuveson is also “dying” this next transfer. He is from Millard, Utah. He's 22 years old and awesome! It’s crazy though, because he just moved into my area, I will have to do most of the leading because he doesn't know anything about the area. It looks like I have to learn how to be responsible now, ha, ha. It’s going to be tricky finding our way around because I still can't read signs. They are in Chinese characters.
I am allowed to start studying characters now. Elder Barton says I'm ready. I passed off all the lessons in Preach My Gospel to him and I've got the tones and sounds of the language almost down now. Thanks to a trainer who made me memorize 42 scriptures! I was so prideful with Elder Barton. He says I was a good boy, but I was definitely prideful at times. He told me that I had to say 42 scriptures to him in a row without looking or help with perfect sounds and then I'd be ready to study characters. Man, I had so much doubt at first, but then I did it, and BAM, Elder Barton was right. I feel ready to start learning characters. Elder Barton helped me set some good goals. I'm going to start reading the Book of Mormon in Chinese now. IT’S SO SLOW! Then I'll move to the Ensign and then Jesus the Christ, in Chinese. It'll be tough.
Christian churches over here are completely different. The people don't understand that Christianity has different sects. There is Catholicism, Christianity and the Mormons. It’s kinda frustrating sometimes. They have the wrong concepts of God and the trinity and a lot of the people are confused about Christianity because of what the Catholics did when they first got here to Taiwan. They told the Taiwanese people how evil they were for worshiping false gods and how they can't worship their ancestors by waving “worship byebye sticks”. So the Taiwanese don’t have a good view of Christians but they're starting to find out that the Mormons are different. They see them as the best of the Christians because they have the best standards and are the nicest people. And, our church still allows them to wave “worship byebye sticks", as long as they aren't worshiping or bowing. (It’s interesting to share what we do for our ancestors in our church). Permission comes straight from the First Presidency for them to wave the “byebye sticks”. They said it is kind of like us putting flowers on our loved one’s graves in America. We do it to honor our ancestors, but it isn’t worship or bowing. This rule has helped overcome family opposition. The older parents don't like their kids to join Christianity because they need their kids to "worship Byebye" them.
The culture is completely different over here, but I'd have to say I’m getting used to it. Elder Barton said he is so afraid to go back to America and see mean white people again.
Well, I gotta go, I love you to death.... Elder Daniels
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Are there any missionaries here with an "elect" family to teach?
Man, oh, man, things are going great. Brother Lean was baptized and confirmed. We let members in the ward do it because it’s a good opportunity for them. The Church is so, so, so new here in Taiwan. There is nobody in our ward who was born in the Church who over the age of 19. Everyone in Taiwan seems to be 1st generation converts. The church is growing SO FAST here. It is still in its pioneer stages. Elder Rasband of the Seventy came and did a fireside here in Taipei. It was awesome, because Joyce (Sister Wang, who wants to be called by her given name) was able to come and she brought her whole family. The really cool thing is, the morning before the fireside, we had a mission conference and Elder Rasband led it. He asked, “Are there any missionaries out there right now who feel like they have an ‘Elect’ family?” Elder Barton stood right up, and Elder Rasband centered his talk around them. So we were given a lot of insight from a member of the seventy on how to help our investigator. It was great.
Later that night, we had the feeling we needed to invite Joyce to come and bring her family to hear Elder Rasband speak to the members of Taiwan. As soon as we found out that Joyce could attend, we called President and said, "she's coming and she's bringing the kids!" Ha. President told Elder Rasband, and the coolest thing happened. That night when we were sitting there with this family, Elder Rasband stood up to speak and said, "I feel like there is reason for me to change what I was planning on talking about tonight...." Then, he spoke and his entire talk was directed towards Joyce's biggest problems with the Church, such as, why our church is different from other Christian churches, etc. Ha, ha. Elder Barton and I just looked at each other and smiled.
After the meeting, we took Joyce and her family up to meet Elder Rasband and his wife who gave them hugs. Elder Rasband said into Joyce’s ear, "I hope you will join this Church." It was insane! Joyce really liked it and she especially liked Sister Rasband, because she focused her talk on how much she LOVES missionaries. Joyce also loves missionaries and actually wants all her kids to serve missions. She just can't get over the fact that her baptism doesn't count and that her church is wrong, but she's improving.
Today we went to her house, taking the other elders in our district. We made breakfast for her kids and had morning studies with Joyce. It went really well, but Joyce is still sitting on the fence. We told her that sometime she will have to make a decision, and she said that she needs time. We asked her, well what are you going to do with that time? She's just sitting on the fence, she's got one foot in and one foot out. One cool thing actually came up in our studies was about sign seekers. They will get their signs but not unto salvation (something like that). It is D&C 63:7. It’s interesting though. We show faith when we make decisions, and it’s that faith that will help us make it unto salvation. Yeah, anyway, she'll be baptized, I know it.
This work is difficult, but who said salvation was easy? We're being seen every day!!! The seed is planted her in Taiwan and it’s about to explode!!!! It's already started.....
I'm going to miss Elder Barton. Man, it’s hard. He's such a good guy and he puts up with me. Ha, ha, I was such a prideful trainee, but he has always been so patient. He's really the only person I know here in Taiwan and he's an awesome friend. He doesn't want to go home at all. The only reason he is going home is because his family misses him, he always says. I have learned so much from this elder. He helped me build a strong foundation for my mission. Heavenly Father looks out for us. He answers our prayers.....
Well, I'm sorry if this wasn't this most interesting letter, but these are the things that are on my mind. Thanks so much for the awesome pictures, keep them coming. If you get a chance, send some pictures of the family so I can share them with our investigators.
Oh man, the church is so true....... STRIKE for Zion!!!!!!!
I love you SO MUCH. If I've learned anything on my mission, it’s about how much a mother and father means to us growing up. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY DAD!!!!!!!
Later that night, we had the feeling we needed to invite Joyce to come and bring her family to hear Elder Rasband speak to the members of Taiwan. As soon as we found out that Joyce could attend, we called President and said, "she's coming and she's bringing the kids!" Ha. President told Elder Rasband, and the coolest thing happened. That night when we were sitting there with this family, Elder Rasband stood up to speak and said, "I feel like there is reason for me to change what I was planning on talking about tonight...." Then, he spoke and his entire talk was directed towards Joyce's biggest problems with the Church, such as, why our church is different from other Christian churches, etc. Ha, ha. Elder Barton and I just looked at each other and smiled.
After the meeting, we took Joyce and her family up to meet Elder Rasband and his wife who gave them hugs. Elder Rasband said into Joyce’s ear, "I hope you will join this Church." It was insane! Joyce really liked it and she especially liked Sister Rasband, because she focused her talk on how much she LOVES missionaries. Joyce also loves missionaries and actually wants all her kids to serve missions. She just can't get over the fact that her baptism doesn't count and that her church is wrong, but she's improving.
Today we went to her house, taking the other elders in our district. We made breakfast for her kids and had morning studies with Joyce. It went really well, but Joyce is still sitting on the fence. We told her that sometime she will have to make a decision, and she said that she needs time. We asked her, well what are you going to do with that time? She's just sitting on the fence, she's got one foot in and one foot out. One cool thing actually came up in our studies was about sign seekers. They will get their signs but not unto salvation (something like that). It is D&C 63:7. It’s interesting though. We show faith when we make decisions, and it’s that faith that will help us make it unto salvation. Yeah, anyway, she'll be baptized, I know it.
This work is difficult, but who said salvation was easy? We're being seen every day!!! The seed is planted her in Taiwan and it’s about to explode!!!! It's already started.....
I'm going to miss Elder Barton. Man, it’s hard. He's such a good guy and he puts up with me. Ha, ha, I was such a prideful trainee, but he has always been so patient. He's really the only person I know here in Taiwan and he's an awesome friend. He doesn't want to go home at all. The only reason he is going home is because his family misses him, he always says. I have learned so much from this elder. He helped me build a strong foundation for my mission. Heavenly Father looks out for us. He answers our prayers.....
Well, I'm sorry if this wasn't this most interesting letter, but these are the things that are on my mind. Thanks so much for the awesome pictures, keep them coming. If you get a chance, send some pictures of the family so I can share them with our investigators.
Oh man, the church is so true....... STRIKE for Zion!!!!!!!
I love you SO MUCH. If I've learned anything on my mission, it’s about how much a mother and father means to us growing up. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY DAD!!!!!!!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Pray for Sister Wang!
Man, I love it here so, so much! Sister Wang has come farther along the path. It’s so funny that just a few weeks ago she told us she would never ever join our church, ha, but something happened. She took a week off from meeting with us, because we met with her every day. We don't really know why she did, but when we went back, she said she had fasted the entire week, for us. It was kinda weird, I didn't completely understand. She had minimal interest in coming to church, she just had more questions that we answered and stuff like that. So, after we met with her, Elder Barton and I decided it was time to test our faith, that she will be baptized.
We wrote a letter to her, telling her about an analogy, and how that night she would have a dream about Christ, and that she would come to church the next day. She didn’t make it to church, and Elder Barton and I thought, oh man, what happened? Maybe she didn't have her dream. Then we thought we should keep the faith and just hope that she just wasn't able to make it. Well, we went back to her house and she apologized several times because she couldn't come to church. She tried everything, but she couldn't find someone to fill in for her at her other church where she teaches Sunday School. But she promised us that she would come to church on the 22nd, just 2 days before Elder Barton leaves. I don't know if she had the dream or not, we never asked. That night we gave her the letter and she felt a new desire. Now she is SO close to baptism. By the way, we committed her mother to come to church, too. She is the one that opposed Sister Wang becoming a Christian 13 years ago. The grandma loves us.
We are giving Sister Wang space now, no pressure at all. We told her "Sister Wang, we don't have to come over and invite you to church all the time. We can just come visit your family, because we love them.” She said, “NO! I need to know more, keep teaching me.” She thirsts for the truth and is just fighting the spirit. She believes in everything in our church, except the Joseph Smith part. She believes in things that her church doesn't. She has been in it for 13 years and has a tough time letting go of it. It has been a powerful influence in her life, but we keep telling her that our church is just going to add to it. She has so many crazy theories that her preacher says and we always ask her, "Where does it say that in the Bible?" Oh man, she is so getting baptized.
We celebrated Sabrina's and Samuel Wang’s birthdays yesterday. They did back flips when we gave them their presents. I love that family so much!!! They are my family in Taiwan.
Our Brother Lin passed his interview and he'll be baptized this Saturday!!!! Hurray! He's so awesome and such a happy guy. I love the personalities of the people here in Taiwan. They are all so kind and humble.
But, some are bad to their kids. We lost Brother Huang forever last week. He started beating his kid with a flute right in front of us. He kicked us out of his house. It’s forbidden that we as missionaries and representatives of the Church take action on things like that. It took every bit of mine and Elder Barton’s strength not to take out Brother Huang. As soon as we left, we called the police and they took care of things. I feel so bad for those kids. Their father is such a loser, well a confused person, and they suffer for it. That was the second time I've seen him beat his kid, but this time he used something to hit him with, so we were able to get the police on it.
So, yeah, there are hard times out here, but there are many more good times, when you have faith...... I love you guys so much.
We wrote a letter to her, telling her about an analogy, and how that night she would have a dream about Christ, and that she would come to church the next day. She didn’t make it to church, and Elder Barton and I thought, oh man, what happened? Maybe she didn't have her dream. Then we thought we should keep the faith and just hope that she just wasn't able to make it. Well, we went back to her house and she apologized several times because she couldn't come to church. She tried everything, but she couldn't find someone to fill in for her at her other church where she teaches Sunday School. But she promised us that she would come to church on the 22nd, just 2 days before Elder Barton leaves. I don't know if she had the dream or not, we never asked. That night we gave her the letter and she felt a new desire. Now she is SO close to baptism. By the way, we committed her mother to come to church, too. She is the one that opposed Sister Wang becoming a Christian 13 years ago. The grandma loves us.
We are giving Sister Wang space now, no pressure at all. We told her "Sister Wang, we don't have to come over and invite you to church all the time. We can just come visit your family, because we love them.” She said, “NO! I need to know more, keep teaching me.” She thirsts for the truth and is just fighting the spirit. She believes in everything in our church, except the Joseph Smith part. She believes in things that her church doesn't. She has been in it for 13 years and has a tough time letting go of it. It has been a powerful influence in her life, but we keep telling her that our church is just going to add to it. She has so many crazy theories that her preacher says and we always ask her, "Where does it say that in the Bible?" Oh man, she is so getting baptized.
We celebrated Sabrina's and Samuel Wang’s birthdays yesterday. They did back flips when we gave them their presents. I love that family so much!!! They are my family in Taiwan.
Our Brother Lin passed his interview and he'll be baptized this Saturday!!!! Hurray! He's so awesome and such a happy guy. I love the personalities of the people here in Taiwan. They are all so kind and humble.
But, some are bad to their kids. We lost Brother Huang forever last week. He started beating his kid with a flute right in front of us. He kicked us out of his house. It’s forbidden that we as missionaries and representatives of the Church take action on things like that. It took every bit of mine and Elder Barton’s strength not to take out Brother Huang. As soon as we left, we called the police and they took care of things. I feel so bad for those kids. Their father is such a loser, well a confused person, and they suffer for it. That was the second time I've seen him beat his kid, but this time he used something to hit him with, so we were able to get the police on it.
So, yeah, there are hard times out here, but there are many more good times, when you have faith...... I love you guys so much.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Learning to love the people...
Well, things are going good! It has been pouring rain for the past two weeks. It stops for a little while, then it starts again. It gets crazy sometimes, because the moment you buckle down and decide to take off your rain stuff, it starts raining again and then when you get back to your bike to put it back on, it stops raining. I don't know why we wear that rain gear anyway, because when you wear it, you get all dripping wet anyway with sweat. Meh. Oh well. You have to get used to that kind of stuff when you a missionary, that’s for sure. I just painted my bike again, because last time it started raining while we were painting it and it looked terrible. That happened again as we were painting it this time, and it still looks terrible. Oh, missionary work, I love it.
Brother Lin is all set to be baptized next week and he's very exited. It’s so neat how we found him, simply by opening our mouths and saying hello to an old man. Now he's being baptized (church is true).
We had a powerful lesson with Sister Wang a couple days ago, the most powerful lesson I've ever been apart of. After the lesson we actually had a chance to give her mother a Melchizedek priesthood blessing because she had fallen and hurt her knee. This is the same lady who gave us stinky tofu. We're really close with her know and she loves those Mormon missionaries. The funny thing is, she's been opposed to her daughter being a Christian for 13 years. The blessing was amazing by the way. I think we're going to invite her mom to church. That’ll be such a huge example to Sister Wang. It might be the thing she needs to be humbled, because Sister Wang herself has never been able to come to church. Anyway, after this lesson and the blessing and Sister Wang’s questions, she said, “How about you elders don't come by for a week, I have some thinking to do,” so that’s where we are right now, waiting, letting the spirit work with her. This is our miracle family and I know they'll be baptized. When we go back this Saturday, we're making special rice leaf things with the grandma and the family. I have a feeling this will be a visit to remember, so for now, to be continued.
The other day Elder Barton helped me even more with the desire to love the people. We went to a track, "The track" that is famous for having thousands of families playing and exercising. It’s a missionaries’ dream place. He gave me the opportunity to not only lead the contacting, but he wouldn't speak Chinese or English. I was all on my own and he was following. My first instinct, for some reason, was kind of doubtful and prideful, but then I said a prayer and all of those feelings went away, and bam, we didn't quite find the Chen family we were looking for, but we got 4 setups with singles and almost one large family who will be coming to English class tonight. Elder Barton said I passed his test. When nothing was happening and we weren't finding, we said a prayer and Heavenly Father gave me faith and confidence. Afterwards, Elder Barton taught me about charity and love for the people as I teach. If there is anything he wants me to learn before he leaves in two weeks, it is to love these people, to truly love them, to the point of doing anything for them. My goal for this mission is to always have charity and faith. I need to let Heavenly Father do what ever he wants through me. It’s hard, but that’s my goal. I love this work. Elder Barton told me, “You may not notice it, but man, you have improved so much, not only in Chinese, but in spirit.” I'm so thankful for Elder Barton. He's such an awesome guy, and we have a lot of fun together. I'll miss him.
Well, I need to write the president’s letter, LOVE YOU.
Brother Lin is all set to be baptized next week and he's very exited. It’s so neat how we found him, simply by opening our mouths and saying hello to an old man. Now he's being baptized (church is true).
We had a powerful lesson with Sister Wang a couple days ago, the most powerful lesson I've ever been apart of. After the lesson we actually had a chance to give her mother a Melchizedek priesthood blessing because she had fallen and hurt her knee. This is the same lady who gave us stinky tofu. We're really close with her know and she loves those Mormon missionaries. The funny thing is, she's been opposed to her daughter being a Christian for 13 years. The blessing was amazing by the way. I think we're going to invite her mom to church. That’ll be such a huge example to Sister Wang. It might be the thing she needs to be humbled, because Sister Wang herself has never been able to come to church. Anyway, after this lesson and the blessing and Sister Wang’s questions, she said, “How about you elders don't come by for a week, I have some thinking to do,” so that’s where we are right now, waiting, letting the spirit work with her. This is our miracle family and I know they'll be baptized. When we go back this Saturday, we're making special rice leaf things with the grandma and the family. I have a feeling this will be a visit to remember, so for now, to be continued.
The other day Elder Barton helped me even more with the desire to love the people. We went to a track, "The track" that is famous for having thousands of families playing and exercising. It’s a missionaries’ dream place. He gave me the opportunity to not only lead the contacting, but he wouldn't speak Chinese or English. I was all on my own and he was following. My first instinct, for some reason, was kind of doubtful and prideful, but then I said a prayer and all of those feelings went away, and bam, we didn't quite find the Chen family we were looking for, but we got 4 setups with singles and almost one large family who will be coming to English class tonight. Elder Barton said I passed his test. When nothing was happening and we weren't finding, we said a prayer and Heavenly Father gave me faith and confidence. Afterwards, Elder Barton taught me about charity and love for the people as I teach. If there is anything he wants me to learn before he leaves in two weeks, it is to love these people, to truly love them, to the point of doing anything for them. My goal for this mission is to always have charity and faith. I need to let Heavenly Father do what ever he wants through me. It’s hard, but that’s my goal. I love this work. Elder Barton told me, “You may not notice it, but man, you have improved so much, not only in Chinese, but in spirit.” I'm so thankful for Elder Barton. He's such an awesome guy, and we have a lot of fun together. I'll miss him.
Well, I need to write the president’s letter, LOVE YOU.
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