Oh man, I'm a terrible person, ha! I'm sorry I didn't get a letter out last week and I can explain. We write our letters at an internet café. We have to pay 30 kuai, about one dollar, to use it for an hour. I used every bit of that hour last week trying to send my beloved family a big, fat juicy email. It came down to the last ten seconds and as I moved my hand towards the mouse to press "send", the computer shut off and I lost my email forever. After that we had a really busy schedule and I didn't have any time to write. It was ridiculous. Well, the work goes on and the scriptures say you have to forgive me...so it’s all good. :)
Okay, to review the recent activity of the building up a Zion in Taiwan. It’s been really good, but also really "xin ku,” (rough), but Elder Taylor and I are enjoying every moment of it.
Last week, there were some crazy episodes at church involving an investigator who’s been hiding with her kids from her husband because of an argument and money problems. He is a “male supremacist.” Anyway, the man has really no affiliation with the church, only through his wife who has a powerful testimony and a baptismal goal. He works in mainland China for 2 months at a time and comes home for ten days, and then he is terrible towards his family. So, he showed up to church and started yelling at his wife and kids to come home. There was a big confrontation in the church. I've never seen something like that before, (besides Elders basketball). It was a sad thing to see, but the 2nd counselor in the bishopric took care of things. He has dealt problems like theirs in the past, so it worked out really well. They were taught how the gospel blesses families and we sang. They ended up going home together, but the parents are still on bad terms.
We also saw a fight on the street the other day. There 3 guys going to town on this one guy. It was kind of frustrating, because missionaries are strictly forbidden from getting involved in anything like a beating. There’s been a couple times I've seen things here in Taiwan, where I've really wanted to get in there and establish some sort of peace, but, that kind of thing is strictly forbidden. We had to leave as these three guys were beating on this one man, but I think other people took care of things and the police were called. It was nuts. As we were riding by, I saw one guy uppercut the man, right in the stomach. His face was pretty messed up, too.
We are working with 12 investigators right now, and "Li" is the last name of six of the families, ha. I think that is kind of funny. They are all pretty good, and we plan to add most of them to the pool this next week.
We are working with a blessing right now, the Huang family. They were a street contact with a mei mei who I thought was extremely cute, so we approached them and started talking. The mei mei is 8 years old and when I spoke to her, she lowered her mouth cover ( the surgical mask that all the Taiwanese wear because of pollution) and I realized she had no front teeth, which made her even cuter!!! Her name is Angel. Anyway, they set up and we taught them the restoration. The mom already believes it and she is wonderful. Her favorite was the part about the Holy Ghost and what we understand it to be. She has investigated other Christian churches, but she knows ours to be true, yeah! She wants to be baptized and her family, too. The one problem is her husband. He is very devout Buddhist, and he might oppose the whole thing, which happens a lot here, sad to say.
Things are going pretty well. We are blessed with a lot of great investigators. It’s fun because Elder Taylor and I love to go out and have FUN doing the work! It’s awesome! I love, love, love missionary work. Elder Taylor always kids me and says that I will be training next transfer, because you "love missionary work and you love to contact families.” He's funny. Training next transfer is out of the question. I've been thinking about that lately though, for when I do get to train, about 5 transfers from now, hahaha. What types of things will a do for my trainee? Will I be really bold with him, like Elder Barton was with me or will I let him make his own decisions the whole time? We'll see some day.
We've had interviews recently. President likes us to prepare questions for interviews, so I prepared a lot about, "what to do for the Su family?" But, we talked about to Joyce’s main problem, which is her wanting to be alone forever. And another problem that we have discovered recently is that she doesn't love Heavenly Father, she only loves Jesus. So, yeah, things are different. President invited us to invite her to pray with all her heart, to find love for the father and her family, and through that we can promise her that she will come closer unto Jesus Christ. So, we did, and we will see how that goes......
President also talked to me a little bit about next transfer. He still doesn't know whether I'll be moving or not, but either way, it’s gonna be fun doing the Lord’s work. I love doing the Lord’s work, I love being in Taiwan, and whatever happens next transfer, so be it. 1 Nephi 3:7, baby!
Well anyway, this is my letter. Today we are going to Danshui and visit with the Su family and we’re going to hike a mountain! :) I'm excited and I'm finally going to see the ocean. By the way, I found out that the city I live in, is for sure the most populated city in Taiwan. I don't doubt it, this place in packed with people and I love it.
I love you very much! Elder Daniels
PS: A new record in the 100 meters? That’s nuts!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
If a sign says, "Don't wash your face"...believe it to be true
Well, things have been going really good!! Everything, except a mistake that I made the other day, hahaha, dangit. We were at a basketball court playing ball with about 4 investigators and 10 possible investigators. It was down by a river bank, away from the city and it was really, really hot outside. We decided to use this water pump to wash our faces, but when we got to the pump, it said on the side of it "bukeyixilian,” which means, “Don't wash your face." I figured if it were important they would have written in English too, so I decided to go ahead and continue washing my face. That was a bad idea. I washed my face with what ended up being acid water and ever since then my face has been extremely itchy and I've broken out pretty bad. Yeah, the water is pretty bad over here in Taiwan. We ended up going to see a dermatologist, who gave me some cream and pills and stuff to take care of it. But, yeah, the work goes on......
I have learned a lot from teaching the Su family, a whole lot. At zone conference yesterday, I had a chance to realize that, as Sister Nielson had asked me share my experiences with Joyce with the other missionaries. When we were talking about teaching families, one elder had asked, "What do you do when you are working with a devout Christian family?" I was able to share a lot of the things that I have learned since I have been on my mission.
I've realized that my entire mission thus far has been devoted to the Su family, coming unto Christ and God. I've learned a lot about the "true nature of God.” As we've been sharing with Joyce lately, it’s been this part of the message that has changed her the most. We've recently shared Matthew 7 with her, and I liked focusing on verse 21. She has been taught in her church that everyone who believes in Christ will be saved. "We are all in him," but verse 21 teaches us that we must give all of the glory to the Father, that crying Lord, Lord is not good enough. Joyce has said, “You focus too much on the Heavenly father.” Wow, it didn't feel good when she said that. Wasn't that the point of Christ’s ministry on the earth? It is a straight and narrow path to eternal life. Heavenly Father has given us tools from the beginning of the earth to protect his truths, the scriptures, prophets, and the Holy Ghost. Christ will establish his word in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses. Obviously, it is important that in this life, to learn about God and Jesus Christ in their true form. That is what the restored gospel teaches us.
She is so close and is beginning to love the Book of Mormon. Mormon 9 was very "moving" to her. She says though, that she still gets more out of the Bible than she has the Book of Mormon. The Spirit was strong when she said that and told me to say to her, "Well, that’s because you have already accepted the Bible to be the word of God. Once you know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, you will definitely feel differently towards it. She said, “That’s not fair.” “Truth hurts.” She's also mentioned, "The Bible has always answered my questions.” Then the Spirit had me bring up the topic of infant baptisms, and yeah, she changed her feelings again, haha. Anyway, she is slowly, slowly coming unto the light.
But yeah, Sister Nielson had me share some of this at zone conference. Another cool thing happened at zone conference. Elder H. got up and shared his testimony! He has one now!!! It was about the importance of living prophets (the thing that we shared with Joyce when we were on exchanges together). He is such a soft-hearted and sincere elder. It was great to hear his testimony. He is now a very strong tool in the hands of the Lord now. His companion, Elder Larson, is a good man.
We've had some investigators pop up out of nowhere. A Li kid, and a Huang kid. Both of them are awesome and the Li kid has my exact same birthday! He is so cool. We're going to add both of these guys to the baptismal pool. And, also a Li family that we have been working with, the ones with the VERY cute mei mei's, the dad has been reading and praying.....
I bore my testimony in zone conference. I have learned so much from the Su family. My studies for her about our church "not focusing enough on Christ," has brought me so much closer to Christ, the true nature of God, and the power of the Book of Mormon. It’s been such a blessing working with them. They have been my mission....
I love my mission so, so, so much. There are so many INTERESTING things: spiritually, culturally, and “missionarally.” :) I love it. I love you, Elder Daniels
I have learned a lot from teaching the Su family, a whole lot. At zone conference yesterday, I had a chance to realize that, as Sister Nielson had asked me share my experiences with Joyce with the other missionaries. When we were talking about teaching families, one elder had asked, "What do you do when you are working with a devout Christian family?" I was able to share a lot of the things that I have learned since I have been on my mission.
I've realized that my entire mission thus far has been devoted to the Su family, coming unto Christ and God. I've learned a lot about the "true nature of God.” As we've been sharing with Joyce lately, it’s been this part of the message that has changed her the most. We've recently shared Matthew 7 with her, and I liked focusing on verse 21. She has been taught in her church that everyone who believes in Christ will be saved. "We are all in him," but verse 21 teaches us that we must give all of the glory to the Father, that crying Lord, Lord is not good enough. Joyce has said, “You focus too much on the Heavenly father.” Wow, it didn't feel good when she said that. Wasn't that the point of Christ’s ministry on the earth? It is a straight and narrow path to eternal life. Heavenly Father has given us tools from the beginning of the earth to protect his truths, the scriptures, prophets, and the Holy Ghost. Christ will establish his word in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses. Obviously, it is important that in this life, to learn about God and Jesus Christ in their true form. That is what the restored gospel teaches us.
She is so close and is beginning to love the Book of Mormon. Mormon 9 was very "moving" to her. She says though, that she still gets more out of the Bible than she has the Book of Mormon. The Spirit was strong when she said that and told me to say to her, "Well, that’s because you have already accepted the Bible to be the word of God. Once you know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, you will definitely feel differently towards it. She said, “That’s not fair.” “Truth hurts.” She's also mentioned, "The Bible has always answered my questions.” Then the Spirit had me bring up the topic of infant baptisms, and yeah, she changed her feelings again, haha. Anyway, she is slowly, slowly coming unto the light.
But yeah, Sister Nielson had me share some of this at zone conference. Another cool thing happened at zone conference. Elder H. got up and shared his testimony! He has one now!!! It was about the importance of living prophets (the thing that we shared with Joyce when we were on exchanges together). He is such a soft-hearted and sincere elder. It was great to hear his testimony. He is now a very strong tool in the hands of the Lord now. His companion, Elder Larson, is a good man.
We've had some investigators pop up out of nowhere. A Li kid, and a Huang kid. Both of them are awesome and the Li kid has my exact same birthday! He is so cool. We're going to add both of these guys to the baptismal pool. And, also a Li family that we have been working with, the ones with the VERY cute mei mei's, the dad has been reading and praying.....
I bore my testimony in zone conference. I have learned so much from the Su family. My studies for her about our church "not focusing enough on Christ," has brought me so much closer to Christ, the true nature of God, and the power of the Book of Mormon. It’s been such a blessing working with them. They have been my mission....
I love my mission so, so, so much. There are so many INTERESTING things: spiritually, culturally, and “missionarally.” :) I love it. I love you, Elder Daniels
Sunday, August 3, 2008
A new companion
Well, the transfer flew by, Elder Tuveson is gone, and I will miss him. He was a very, very good friend of mine. I'm sitting next to my new companion, Elder Taylor, who is from Utah. He went to Davis high school. He is awesome and definitely a cool guy. He played football, wrestled, and ran track his junior year. He's about 6'1'' and a healthy 185-200 pounds and he is the biggest companion I've had in Taiwan. The others were 5'3'' and 5'6''. He has blonde hair like me. He also is a very, very young missionary, this is his 6th transfer and I'm going into my 4th. So we've got two really, really young missionaries here in San Chong, but he's got a lot of faith. It should be enough to get the Su family baptized!! :)
I'm excited to get back to work. It’s going to be a lot different, but I'm excited! We had two families come to church yesterday that we are working with, and a guy with his girl friend, so Heavenly Father has blessed us with a lot of people to be working with lately. Hopefully, we can grab some of these people and throw them in the baptismal pool, keep them progressing. The two families are difficult. We teach English to them every week, and the kids never learn anything. They are crazy. In their eyes, missionaries are just big ol' punching bags. hahaha. Oh man, they're cute though.
The Su family.....She's still progressing, but slowly. I went over there on exchanges with Elder H, who’s been struggling a little. It went really, really well. We talked about a lot of things with Joyce that went really well, especially Christ’s words in 1 Cor. 13:1. “By the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses shall His word be established.” We talked about how people can easily form their own opinions about scripture and determine it the way they want, keeping them from accepting the truth in the end. But, that’s why we are given more then one witness, so that the truth can be stable. Like a board nailed to a table. If it has one nail, you can turn it anyway that you want to turn it, but if you put two nails in that board, it’s not going anywhere. That is what Heavenly Father has given us in the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and prophets. We talked about the importance of a living prophet and to help with her problem about Joseph Smith. We shared King Benjamin, talking about himself being as of the dust of the earth. It hit her pretty well, but she seems to be locked on to her "opinion.” The Spirit spoke a lot to her and it even helped Elder H. as he tried to help her understand the importance of these things. It gave him opportunity and more desire, to help people find the truth.
Elder H. confessed to me on that exchange that he it still having doubts about the church and that he himself is still an investigator. The moment those words left his mouth, the Spirit told me to say to him, "We are all investigators, Elder H." He liked that a lot and said, "I'm glad you said that Elder Daniels." I told him that there are always questions that cross our path in this life. The difference is, once you have already accepted that this is God’s church, you will also be willing to accept the answers that God gives us. God’s knowledge is far greater than ours. We are always investigating His gospel. It’s just up to us to seek and accept the answers when he gives them to us. Through our desires God gives us greater understanding. Elder H. is such a good man with a very soft and tender heart, he is progressing so much.
That night we also went to visit a brand new family that we set up on a scooter, with one small, cute mei mei:). It was interesting because we both were brand new and teaching. The Spirit lead the entire lesson, and the man who you would never think would accept the message, said at the end, “I think I'm beginning to believe in Heavenly Father." The wife was interested to know where her spirit goes after this life. They are excited to pray and read. They have a grandma who is 92 years old and a very devout Buddhist. We aren't sure yet if she will oppose her son continuing to meet with us. We'll see. I will keep you posted.
Heavenly Father is leading the work here in San Chong and it’s awesome. We're getting to work with so many families!! I LOVE IT, I LOVE MY MISSION. I always new I would learn a lot on my mission, but holy smokes!!!!! This is ridiculous!!!!!!
I'm excited to get back to work. It’s going to be a lot different, but I'm excited! We had two families come to church yesterday that we are working with, and a guy with his girl friend, so Heavenly Father has blessed us with a lot of people to be working with lately. Hopefully, we can grab some of these people and throw them in the baptismal pool, keep them progressing. The two families are difficult. We teach English to them every week, and the kids never learn anything. They are crazy. In their eyes, missionaries are just big ol' punching bags. hahaha. Oh man, they're cute though.
The Su family.....She's still progressing, but slowly. I went over there on exchanges with Elder H, who’s been struggling a little. It went really, really well. We talked about a lot of things with Joyce that went really well, especially Christ’s words in 1 Cor. 13:1. “By the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses shall His word be established.” We talked about how people can easily form their own opinions about scripture and determine it the way they want, keeping them from accepting the truth in the end. But, that’s why we are given more then one witness, so that the truth can be stable. Like a board nailed to a table. If it has one nail, you can turn it anyway that you want to turn it, but if you put two nails in that board, it’s not going anywhere. That is what Heavenly Father has given us in the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and prophets. We talked about the importance of a living prophet and to help with her problem about Joseph Smith. We shared King Benjamin, talking about himself being as of the dust of the earth. It hit her pretty well, but she seems to be locked on to her "opinion.” The Spirit spoke a lot to her and it even helped Elder H. as he tried to help her understand the importance of these things. It gave him opportunity and more desire, to help people find the truth.
Elder H. confessed to me on that exchange that he it still having doubts about the church and that he himself is still an investigator. The moment those words left his mouth, the Spirit told me to say to him, "We are all investigators, Elder H." He liked that a lot and said, "I'm glad you said that Elder Daniels." I told him that there are always questions that cross our path in this life. The difference is, once you have already accepted that this is God’s church, you will also be willing to accept the answers that God gives us. God’s knowledge is far greater than ours. We are always investigating His gospel. It’s just up to us to seek and accept the answers when he gives them to us. Through our desires God gives us greater understanding. Elder H. is such a good man with a very soft and tender heart, he is progressing so much.
That night we also went to visit a brand new family that we set up on a scooter, with one small, cute mei mei:). It was interesting because we both were brand new and teaching. The Spirit lead the entire lesson, and the man who you would never think would accept the message, said at the end, “I think I'm beginning to believe in Heavenly Father." The wife was interested to know where her spirit goes after this life. They are excited to pray and read. They have a grandma who is 92 years old and a very devout Buddhist. We aren't sure yet if she will oppose her son continuing to meet with us. We'll see. I will keep you posted.
Heavenly Father is leading the work here in San Chong and it’s awesome. We're getting to work with so many families!! I LOVE IT, I LOVE MY MISSION. I always new I would learn a lot on my mission, but holy smokes!!!!! This is ridiculous!!!!!!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Transfers are coming this week
Things are going a lot better lately. My companion is so hilarious. He seemed shy at first, but holy smokes, he's just the opposite, and he is one of those people that has really out of the blue things happen to him, and only him. He was just giving me the whole, "I don't know what to write to my family, I will see them next week," speech. I am gonna miss him.
This Friday are phone calls about transfers, that’s when we find out about the next two months of our lives and how it's going to change. Yes, next Monday is our Preparation day. I will miss Elder Tuveson. He was definitely a friend of mine sometime before this life. He was telling me a story about one time when he was out contacting with a native companion. (Before I tell you this, I need to teach you that the word for "religious sect" is very similar to "chicken patty") So, one time he was teaching with his companion and what he was trying to say was, "Our church is completely different than other churches." But instead he said, "Our chicken patty is completely different than other chicken patties." haha! He continued preaching, but didn't know why his companion and the person he was teaching were laughing so hard.. Well, in the end, the guy didn't set up. It’s just a kind of funny story. That’s why tones are so important when speaking Chinese.
I remember when we were talking to a grandma, and I said "We are here to help you", but I said "help" with wrong tones, so it came out "We are here to kidnap you!" Ha, ha, dangit, ha, ha, ha.
A lot of weird and funny things happen with Elder Tuveson. Right now he is prophesying to me about how he is going to beat the sisters in our district at bowling today. He lost last time.
We had a typhoon two days ago and it was bad enough that they wouldn't let us go outside. It was nice to get some sleep and extra studies in and it was fun. I don't know what will happen next transfer. I hope I can stay in San Chong with the Su family. Whatever happens though, I know its what the Lord wants of me.
As I was saying, the work has been GREAT recently. Our district is still doing awesome, and this week our investigators have been taking big steps. Joyce asked us to share the plan of salvation with her kids. Our goal with her right now is to help her with a solid testimony. She is so, so close.
Last night something cool happened. Every week we go over to the Lu family house and teach them English. There are two families with six kids total. Four of them are mei mei's (little sisters or little girls). Anyway, these kids are always really, really, really, ridiculously naughty! It is really, really, really hard to teach, but we go over there every week to serve. We always invite them to come to church, but they have never had any interest...at all. But, yesterday, as we were leaving one of them asked me, "What is that blue book you are always carrying?” and "I tried praying for you guys, like you said that you pray in your church. Do you feel any different?" I said "YES! Right now I feel awesome!” In the end we committed them to read the Book of Mormon, to pray every night, and come to church this week. Both mothers are very excited! It’s interesting how mere service and the example of two missionaries can be enough for people to hearken unto the message.
I love how Heavenly Father takes care of missionary work. It is so awesome. He's been blessing us to get a lot more setups lately and new investigators to work with. We just need to get these people in the baptismal pool, especially the Su family. I know I came to Taiwan for this Su family. I love them so much. They will be baptized. It is my biggest wish that I can go to the temple with their whole family while I am still on my mission. I will send you pictures of them soon. They are so close. She almost has that testimony, she actually does, but she hasn't recognized it yet.
I have to go..... The Book of Mormon is the word of God, truly. I love you,
This Friday are phone calls about transfers, that’s when we find out about the next two months of our lives and how it's going to change. Yes, next Monday is our Preparation day. I will miss Elder Tuveson. He was definitely a friend of mine sometime before this life. He was telling me a story about one time when he was out contacting with a native companion. (Before I tell you this, I need to teach you that the word for "religious sect" is very similar to "chicken patty") So, one time he was teaching with his companion and what he was trying to say was, "Our church is completely different than other churches." But instead he said, "Our chicken patty is completely different than other chicken patties." haha! He continued preaching, but didn't know why his companion and the person he was teaching were laughing so hard.. Well, in the end, the guy didn't set up. It’s just a kind of funny story. That’s why tones are so important when speaking Chinese.
I remember when we were talking to a grandma, and I said "We are here to help you", but I said "help" with wrong tones, so it came out "We are here to kidnap you!" Ha, ha, dangit, ha, ha, ha.
A lot of weird and funny things happen with Elder Tuveson. Right now he is prophesying to me about how he is going to beat the sisters in our district at bowling today. He lost last time.
We had a typhoon two days ago and it was bad enough that they wouldn't let us go outside. It was nice to get some sleep and extra studies in and it was fun. I don't know what will happen next transfer. I hope I can stay in San Chong with the Su family. Whatever happens though, I know its what the Lord wants of me.
As I was saying, the work has been GREAT recently. Our district is still doing awesome, and this week our investigators have been taking big steps. Joyce asked us to share the plan of salvation with her kids. Our goal with her right now is to help her with a solid testimony. She is so, so close.
Last night something cool happened. Every week we go over to the Lu family house and teach them English. There are two families with six kids total. Four of them are mei mei's (little sisters or little girls). Anyway, these kids are always really, really, really, ridiculously naughty! It is really, really, really hard to teach, but we go over there every week to serve. We always invite them to come to church, but they have never had any interest...at all. But, yesterday, as we were leaving one of them asked me, "What is that blue book you are always carrying?” and "I tried praying for you guys, like you said that you pray in your church. Do you feel any different?" I said "YES! Right now I feel awesome!” In the end we committed them to read the Book of Mormon, to pray every night, and come to church this week. Both mothers are very excited! It’s interesting how mere service and the example of two missionaries can be enough for people to hearken unto the message.
I love how Heavenly Father takes care of missionary work. It is so awesome. He's been blessing us to get a lot more setups lately and new investigators to work with. We just need to get these people in the baptismal pool, especially the Su family. I know I came to Taiwan for this Su family. I love them so much. They will be baptized. It is my biggest wish that I can go to the temple with their whole family while I am still on my mission. I will send you pictures of them soon. They are so close. She almost has that testimony, she actually does, but she hasn't recognized it yet.
I have to go..... The Book of Mormon is the word of God, truly. I love you,
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I love, love, love my mission!!!
Things are FANtabulus! I love, love, love, love, love being a missionary! Holy smokes, things have been going pretty well. We've been meeting with a couple families, and some singles. Some have committed to baptism and some haven't. Our district has been working with the Lin, the Li and the Wu families. They are awesome and they all have the cutest mei mei's in the world. Anyway, they have all committed to be baptized. They are awesome families and it’s been a great opportunity for one elder in our district who's been struggling with his testimony, waiting to see some miracles.
Heavenly Father is blessing our district right now. Our district has 6 missionaries. I had a chance to go on an exchange with the elder whose testimony isn't quite there yet. He came onto the island with me, but I didn't know that he's been having problems. My companion is district leader and he said to me, "Do what you can to get his faith back up, show him how to have fun as a missionary.” Heavenly Father gave me a lot of opportunities to bear testimony to him, without me having to focus it right on him.
He's having a lot of questions about the church lately and just not had the faith or desire to progress as a missionary. But when he came into my area for exchanges, it was a true blessing, because I got to bear testimony and talk ALL about the SU family and discuss all of their problems with him. I talked about how true our church is in every possible aspect, all the way from the Book of Mormon and perfect doctrine, including the "17 steps to a true church,” a Harvard study. I talked about how our church has the power of the Holy Ghost as a witness of truth. Our church is unbeatable, hahaha, (maybe cause Christ is at the head of it). It was great. I explained everything that I've ever really wanted to share with the Su family, with him. So basically, I had the opportunity to teach him that this church is true in 100 different ways.
I shared with him my studies for the Su family. I talked about everything: why we have prophets, revelation, authority...everything. It was all directed toward the Su family, but he got to listen to me as I talked about them, hahaha, so I think I got to help him a little. He's been improving a lot lately, and the miracles that our district has been seeing lately, I think have added to his faith.
We saw a couple miracles when we went out tracting together. I would always tell him, "Elder H, it’s because or your faith,” or, “You’re such a good man Elder H." Heavenly Father has been giving him a lot of opportunities to gain a testimony, so yeah, our district is doing well.....
I love my companion. He is so, so funny and he has an awesome testimony of "the truth". Truth is truth, and it’s in the message we are sharing. Oh man, he is so awesome and I will miss him. Heavenly Father has given me the opportunity to have some AWESOME companions. Elder Tuveson is such a humble man. We read the Book of Mormon together in Chinese every night. We help each other through it, because it’s hard. I love it though. He is such a funny guy, and he loves bowling! We went last week with our district and he was terrible at it, but he loved every minute of it. I love my companion.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much a mission changes people. Holy smokes. The last lesson we shared with Joyce was about Mothers, since we were reading about the armies of Helaman. I bore testimony about mothers to Joyce and the influence they have on us growing up. Dads, too. I took so much for granted before my mission. Holy smokes, I'm sorry. I just want to thank you for preparing me to serve this mission. I know you didn't doubt it. Heavenly Father delivers those who have faith. My parents have faith.
Joyce is so close to being baptized. She found out how much I love her family for real, because I left my mission planner at her house on accident and she read it. She didn't tell us that she did, but it’s kind of obvious. Anyway, hahaha, she read a lot of things that said, "BAPTIZE THE SU FAMILY" and random quotes about desires and things that apply to Joyce. She is so close, but it might just be her husband who is struggling now. It didn't seem like that before, but he is just about as invested in their church as she is. He's not nearly as devout in his faith, he just likes the atmosphere. It’s not boring and their church is big. They have 100 youth teachers, and Joyce is the president. It sounds kind of abominable to me, haha. We need to find a chance where we can meet with him so we can help him understand the truth.
Well I have to go, I LOVE YOU
Heavenly Father is blessing our district right now. Our district has 6 missionaries. I had a chance to go on an exchange with the elder whose testimony isn't quite there yet. He came onto the island with me, but I didn't know that he's been having problems. My companion is district leader and he said to me, "Do what you can to get his faith back up, show him how to have fun as a missionary.” Heavenly Father gave me a lot of opportunities to bear testimony to him, without me having to focus it right on him.
He's having a lot of questions about the church lately and just not had the faith or desire to progress as a missionary. But when he came into my area for exchanges, it was a true blessing, because I got to bear testimony and talk ALL about the SU family and discuss all of their problems with him. I talked about how true our church is in every possible aspect, all the way from the Book of Mormon and perfect doctrine, including the "17 steps to a true church,” a Harvard study. I talked about how our church has the power of the Holy Ghost as a witness of truth. Our church is unbeatable, hahaha, (maybe cause Christ is at the head of it). It was great. I explained everything that I've ever really wanted to share with the Su family, with him. So basically, I had the opportunity to teach him that this church is true in 100 different ways.
I shared with him my studies for the Su family. I talked about everything: why we have prophets, revelation, authority...everything. It was all directed toward the Su family, but he got to listen to me as I talked about them, hahaha, so I think I got to help him a little. He's been improving a lot lately, and the miracles that our district has been seeing lately, I think have added to his faith.
We saw a couple miracles when we went out tracting together. I would always tell him, "Elder H, it’s because or your faith,” or, “You’re such a good man Elder H." Heavenly Father has been giving him a lot of opportunities to gain a testimony, so yeah, our district is doing well.....
I love my companion. He is so, so funny and he has an awesome testimony of "the truth". Truth is truth, and it’s in the message we are sharing. Oh man, he is so awesome and I will miss him. Heavenly Father has given me the opportunity to have some AWESOME companions. Elder Tuveson is such a humble man. We read the Book of Mormon together in Chinese every night. We help each other through it, because it’s hard. I love it though. He is such a funny guy, and he loves bowling! We went last week with our district and he was terrible at it, but he loved every minute of it. I love my companion.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much a mission changes people. Holy smokes. The last lesson we shared with Joyce was about Mothers, since we were reading about the armies of Helaman. I bore testimony about mothers to Joyce and the influence they have on us growing up. Dads, too. I took so much for granted before my mission. Holy smokes, I'm sorry. I just want to thank you for preparing me to serve this mission. I know you didn't doubt it. Heavenly Father delivers those who have faith. My parents have faith.
Joyce is so close to being baptized. She found out how much I love her family for real, because I left my mission planner at her house on accident and she read it. She didn't tell us that she did, but it’s kind of obvious. Anyway, hahaha, she read a lot of things that said, "BAPTIZE THE SU FAMILY" and random quotes about desires and things that apply to Joyce. She is so close, but it might just be her husband who is struggling now. It didn't seem like that before, but he is just about as invested in their church as she is. He's not nearly as devout in his faith, he just likes the atmosphere. It’s not boring and their church is big. They have 100 youth teachers, and Joyce is the president. It sounds kind of abominable to me, haha. We need to find a chance where we can meet with him so we can help him understand the truth.
Well I have to go, I LOVE YOU
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Do all Americans look alike?!
I'm going to teach you a Chinese word so that I can use it to help capture the understanding of things that are going on around here and how it sounds like things are going on at home. The word is "xin ku" which means..... hard working/ tough luck/or time of trial (kinda). Anyway, that should get the point across. Life sounds (xin ku) for you at home with everyone moving around and huge changes going on. It’s good though, the Lord likes to give us lots of trials before He really pours out the blessings.
HOLY SMOKES! Henry is such a stud. (nephew Henry is nine months old). Here in Taiwan we would say “shuaige”, which means stud, or handsome boy!!! Everyone calls each other handsome over here. It’s awesome, every time I come to a red light as I'm riding my bike, I say to the man I pull up next to, "Shuaige" and then he says, "No, you’re the shuaige". Then I say, "you’re the most shuai."
With the older men that I pull next to, we'll have that whole conversation in Taiwanese. I've learned how to say some things in Taiwanese, like, "where are you going?" "How is your day?" "My mind is broken", etc. The older people really like it when we speak Taiwanese to them, hahaha. It’s a good way to scatter sunshine, which is key here in Taiwan, because of all the people who are opposed to Christianity. I love it.
Hahaha, there are so many awesome people here. A lot of the older people are kinda crazy. It’s so funny. Some of them are really crazy, literally. There is a guy that somehow always finds us as we're teaching people on the street. His name is Lucky and he walks around wearing a hard hat, carrying a rolly basket. He is such a happy man. He always tells us to come to his daughter’s haircutting den where it is only 100$, which in American currency is about $3.33.
What I don't understand is "why is all of the crazy people’s English better than the not-crazy-people’s English", hahaha. Oh well. It’s kinda funny, because these people just roam around the streets all day. They all love missionaries because we are always nice to them. Every missionary in the Taibei mission knows about Lucky and another guy we call Banqiao boy. Every missionary has the opportunity to run into these people on the street. I don't know how, there are 23 million people in Taiwan, but "Lucky" and "Banqiao boy" are always in the same places we are. I don't know how they do it. Anyway, I'm trying to make this letter more about the culture.
The fruit in Taiwan is AMAZING! Wow! That’s pretty much all we eat...and rice. It’s really interesting to hear about people’s beliefs in God here. Some people think the purpose of this life is to be good, and judging by how good we are in this life, tells us what type of animal we will be in the next life. The animals are rated on a scale of good to bad, I guess. This older man on the street, told me in the life before this, I was a shrimp! I don't know the theory he had behind this, but he was certain that I was a shrimp and that he was a beaver. (I think it was beaver. I'm not sure how to say “before” in Chinese). I just guessed beaver by the actions he was making to help me understand what kind of animal he was talking about.
Man, there are so many crazy philosophies and traditions over here, but what I've realized is, I grew up in a completely different place and culture. Here, they think Christianity is kinda weird. The sisters who are native in our district say that the Americans all look alike... which I don't get that at all, hahaha. At least have different colors of hair and eyes. At church the other day, a 12- year-old girl asked me, “Why do Americans have black spots in the middle of their eyes???” ( You mean our pupils? I'm pretty sure you have those too, little girl). Holy smokes I love the people here
Things are progressing, the language is still coming. I can read a lot of the Book of Mormon in Chinese now, but it’s still really, really hard, and I can't quite get the meaning out of it sometimes. I'm getting a foundation of characters from flash cards, then I'll continue to read. It takes along time to look up a character you don't know in the dictionary.
Now, the Su family. This past week we have been very bold with Joyce. I bore testimony with all my heart and it brought her to tears. She tried to give me a hug, it was kinda weird. Anyway, she just isn't letting the spirit into her heart. We asked her some questions and she just becomes quiet. She doesn't know how to answer. I just don't think she is willing to give up her church. We went over there for a family night and she had her whole family put on the shirts they got from their church’s summer camp. (They had been away, which was the reason we hadn't visited her for a while). She isn't hearkening to the two missionaries who are bringing her a message of truth. I told her that the next time we stop by, I’m going to ask her if she knows that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. We're at an impasse right now, she isn't progressing, we've taught her everything. The spirit told us to be bold and to share the Joseph Smith history with her, where it says .... “the Presbyterian church is not true.” We have to determine whether it's worth our time to go over there or not. It’s hard, I love that family, but she needs the desire first. We might have to end our visits to the Su family house. That’s hard, but the Lord will provide a way......
My time is gone, love you, Elder Daniels
HOLY SMOKES! Henry is such a stud. (nephew Henry is nine months old). Here in Taiwan we would say “shuaige”, which means stud, or handsome boy!!! Everyone calls each other handsome over here. It’s awesome, every time I come to a red light as I'm riding my bike, I say to the man I pull up next to, "Shuaige" and then he says, "No, you’re the shuaige". Then I say, "you’re the most shuai."
With the older men that I pull next to, we'll have that whole conversation in Taiwanese. I've learned how to say some things in Taiwanese, like, "where are you going?" "How is your day?" "My mind is broken", etc. The older people really like it when we speak Taiwanese to them, hahaha. It’s a good way to scatter sunshine, which is key here in Taiwan, because of all the people who are opposed to Christianity. I love it.
Hahaha, there are so many awesome people here. A lot of the older people are kinda crazy. It’s so funny. Some of them are really crazy, literally. There is a guy that somehow always finds us as we're teaching people on the street. His name is Lucky and he walks around wearing a hard hat, carrying a rolly basket. He is such a happy man. He always tells us to come to his daughter’s haircutting den where it is only 100$, which in American currency is about $3.33.
What I don't understand is "why is all of the crazy people’s English better than the not-crazy-people’s English", hahaha. Oh well. It’s kinda funny, because these people just roam around the streets all day. They all love missionaries because we are always nice to them. Every missionary in the Taibei mission knows about Lucky and another guy we call Banqiao boy. Every missionary has the opportunity to run into these people on the street. I don't know how, there are 23 million people in Taiwan, but "Lucky" and "Banqiao boy" are always in the same places we are. I don't know how they do it. Anyway, I'm trying to make this letter more about the culture.
The fruit in Taiwan is AMAZING! Wow! That’s pretty much all we eat...and rice. It’s really interesting to hear about people’s beliefs in God here. Some people think the purpose of this life is to be good, and judging by how good we are in this life, tells us what type of animal we will be in the next life. The animals are rated on a scale of good to bad, I guess. This older man on the street, told me in the life before this, I was a shrimp! I don't know the theory he had behind this, but he was certain that I was a shrimp and that he was a beaver. (I think it was beaver. I'm not sure how to say “before” in Chinese). I just guessed beaver by the actions he was making to help me understand what kind of animal he was talking about.
Man, there are so many crazy philosophies and traditions over here, but what I've realized is, I grew up in a completely different place and culture. Here, they think Christianity is kinda weird. The sisters who are native in our district say that the Americans all look alike... which I don't get that at all, hahaha. At least have different colors of hair and eyes. At church the other day, a 12- year-old girl asked me, “Why do Americans have black spots in the middle of their eyes???” ( You mean our pupils? I'm pretty sure you have those too, little girl). Holy smokes I love the people here
Things are progressing, the language is still coming. I can read a lot of the Book of Mormon in Chinese now, but it’s still really, really hard, and I can't quite get the meaning out of it sometimes. I'm getting a foundation of characters from flash cards, then I'll continue to read. It takes along time to look up a character you don't know in the dictionary.
Now, the Su family. This past week we have been very bold with Joyce. I bore testimony with all my heart and it brought her to tears. She tried to give me a hug, it was kinda weird. Anyway, she just isn't letting the spirit into her heart. We asked her some questions and she just becomes quiet. She doesn't know how to answer. I just don't think she is willing to give up her church. We went over there for a family night and she had her whole family put on the shirts they got from their church’s summer camp. (They had been away, which was the reason we hadn't visited her for a while). She isn't hearkening to the two missionaries who are bringing her a message of truth. I told her that the next time we stop by, I’m going to ask her if she knows that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. We're at an impasse right now, she isn't progressing, we've taught her everything. The spirit told us to be bold and to share the Joseph Smith history with her, where it says .... “the Presbyterian church is not true.” We have to determine whether it's worth our time to go over there or not. It’s hard, I love that family, but she needs the desire first. We might have to end our visits to the Su family house. That’s hard, but the Lord will provide a way......
My time is gone, love you, Elder Daniels
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Life's experiences help missionary work
Man, how the time flies, good grief... I can't believe 1/4 of my mission is gone... Holy moly, that is scary to think about. We just had our monthly interviews with president and I was telling him how much I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK! If I could get married and have kids, I could be a missionary for the rest of my life.
A lot went on in my interview with president. I asked him for advice on the Su family, which recently has been difficult. Joyce started inviting us to her church’s activities. She believes we worship Joseph Smith and her desires aren't quite there. But president is awesome he gave me some good advice. He said I can tell her, “Joyce, if you want me to join your church, you can pay money, go to America and knock on my door, and I will let you in. I'll even give you my address, but right now I am here in Taiwan, sharing a message about truth that you aren’t willing to accept.” A lot more was said, but basically I learned many things in my interview, that I am truly a disciple and representative of Christ and how I can be bold.
Sometimes it’s hard to be bold because you are afraid of the reaction they will give you. These people we are meeting with are precious, so it’s sad to see someone you've grown so close to fall out of your hands. President showed me how I can be more bold as a missionary of the Lord.
Sometimes it’s hard with Joyce, though, because, as we bear testimony, she feels like we are trying to convince her and trick her or change her or something. It’s like bearing testimony to a rock, but I pray every night with all my heart, that Heavenly Father will open her heart. I know she'll be baptized, the question is, when?
President doesn't know if he's going to keep me in Sanchong or move me, because I've been there for a long time. He doesn't like to keep missionaries in the places they were “born” too long, but he doesn't want to bring two brand new missionaries into the area either, because of the Su family. They have become known around the whole mission now, so yeah, I don't know what will happen.
He talked a little bit about making me senior pretty soon because there are so many other missionaries “dying”. Oh man, I hope that doesn't happen. It would be really hard at this point in time. I just want to stay in Sanchong with the Su family forever as a junior companion, ha ha ha. I love this Su family. It’s hard to think about having to leave them, but it’s all in the Lord’s hands and what he wants to have happen.
I've been thinking about past experiences that I can share with Joyce, to help her start making a decision. I remember when I played receiver in football. I loved to play that position, but coach said he wanted me to play corner because it would be better for the team. I didn't want to play corner. I liked playing receiver, so when I played corner I played terrible, because I didn't put my heart into it. Coach put me back at receiver and took away a lot of my playing time. (I was humbled). I didn't like that, so went to the coach and said, “Coach, I love football. What can I do to get more playing time again?” He said, “I'll give you another opportunity at corner and we'll see what happens.” This time I had a different mind set and I played my hardest because I wanted to stay on the football field. When Coach saw my desire and hard work, he liked it and he let me start at both positions. Joyce needs to do this with her situation. She needs to make a decision to completely follow Christ and set her desires to completely follow what He tells her to do. This comparison relates, I promise, hahahaha.
I was just thinking of all the different experiences that Heavenly Father has given me, to prepare to use me to teach Joyce the restored gospel. Another one is my choice of sports. I always wanted to really exceed in basketball or football, but it turns out the sport I least wanted to do became my favorite. And, it is the one I excelled in, track! At first I didn't want to do it because "weird people run track” and they make you wear funny clothes. Then, when I saw a pretty girl running track and I had a couple friends doing it, I gave it an HONEST desire. I tried my best and I ended up succeeding, like running the 4x400 medley and taking 5A -All State! When we give an honest desire to try something, even though it may not be what you want to do, that honest desire will deliver you...even if you are the most devout Presbyterian in the world.
Holy moly, I've written a lot of random things. I hope some of it makes sense.
I saw a CRAZY accident the other day. We were walking out of church which is in a sky scraper, and right when we stepped outside, I saw someone’s body and a scooter collide into a marble wall, cracking the marble and breaking the man’s femur and arm. It was so crazy, but he was all right. The traffic is so wild here!!!!!!! I'm afraid to tell you how crazy sometimes because I don't want you to worry, Mom, hahaha, but I promise you that from now, on I'll be extra careful. I worry about some Taiwanese families here. They truly are the greatest drivers in the world, but MAN alive!!! I saw a scooter yesterday with 6 people on it: Twin baby boys, a mom, dad and two little girls. It’s insane. Taiwan is an amazing place. I LOVE MY MISSION!!!!!!!! The Church is 100% true. Love you!
A lot went on in my interview with president. I asked him for advice on the Su family, which recently has been difficult. Joyce started inviting us to her church’s activities. She believes we worship Joseph Smith and her desires aren't quite there. But president is awesome he gave me some good advice. He said I can tell her, “Joyce, if you want me to join your church, you can pay money, go to America and knock on my door, and I will let you in. I'll even give you my address, but right now I am here in Taiwan, sharing a message about truth that you aren’t willing to accept.” A lot more was said, but basically I learned many things in my interview, that I am truly a disciple and representative of Christ and how I can be bold.
Sometimes it’s hard to be bold because you are afraid of the reaction they will give you. These people we are meeting with are precious, so it’s sad to see someone you've grown so close to fall out of your hands. President showed me how I can be more bold as a missionary of the Lord.
Sometimes it’s hard with Joyce, though, because, as we bear testimony, she feels like we are trying to convince her and trick her or change her or something. It’s like bearing testimony to a rock, but I pray every night with all my heart, that Heavenly Father will open her heart. I know she'll be baptized, the question is, when?
President doesn't know if he's going to keep me in Sanchong or move me, because I've been there for a long time. He doesn't like to keep missionaries in the places they were “born” too long, but he doesn't want to bring two brand new missionaries into the area either, because of the Su family. They have become known around the whole mission now, so yeah, I don't know what will happen.
He talked a little bit about making me senior pretty soon because there are so many other missionaries “dying”. Oh man, I hope that doesn't happen. It would be really hard at this point in time. I just want to stay in Sanchong with the Su family forever as a junior companion, ha ha ha. I love this Su family. It’s hard to think about having to leave them, but it’s all in the Lord’s hands and what he wants to have happen.
I've been thinking about past experiences that I can share with Joyce, to help her start making a decision. I remember when I played receiver in football. I loved to play that position, but coach said he wanted me to play corner because it would be better for the team. I didn't want to play corner. I liked playing receiver, so when I played corner I played terrible, because I didn't put my heart into it. Coach put me back at receiver and took away a lot of my playing time. (I was humbled). I didn't like that, so went to the coach and said, “Coach, I love football. What can I do to get more playing time again?” He said, “I'll give you another opportunity at corner and we'll see what happens.” This time I had a different mind set and I played my hardest because I wanted to stay on the football field. When Coach saw my desire and hard work, he liked it and he let me start at both positions. Joyce needs to do this with her situation. She needs to make a decision to completely follow Christ and set her desires to completely follow what He tells her to do. This comparison relates, I promise, hahahaha.
I was just thinking of all the different experiences that Heavenly Father has given me, to prepare to use me to teach Joyce the restored gospel. Another one is my choice of sports. I always wanted to really exceed in basketball or football, but it turns out the sport I least wanted to do became my favorite. And, it is the one I excelled in, track! At first I didn't want to do it because "weird people run track” and they make you wear funny clothes. Then, when I saw a pretty girl running track and I had a couple friends doing it, I gave it an HONEST desire. I tried my best and I ended up succeeding, like running the 4x400 medley and taking 5A -All State! When we give an honest desire to try something, even though it may not be what you want to do, that honest desire will deliver you...even if you are the most devout Presbyterian in the world.
Holy moly, I've written a lot of random things. I hope some of it makes sense.
I saw a CRAZY accident the other day. We were walking out of church which is in a sky scraper, and right when we stepped outside, I saw someone’s body and a scooter collide into a marble wall, cracking the marble and breaking the man’s femur and arm. It was so crazy, but he was all right. The traffic is so wild here!!!!!!! I'm afraid to tell you how crazy sometimes because I don't want you to worry, Mom, hahaha, but I promise you that from now, on I'll be extra careful. I worry about some Taiwanese families here. They truly are the greatest drivers in the world, but MAN alive!!! I saw a scooter yesterday with 6 people on it: Twin baby boys, a mom, dad and two little girls. It’s insane. Taiwan is an amazing place. I LOVE MY MISSION!!!!!!!! The Church is 100% true. Love you!
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