"I was just sitting in the hall reflecting on how blessed I am to see people come unto Christ and participate in God's work on earth. Seriously how cool is that??"
Dear Friends and Family,
This week was incredible! First, I passed off Phase 2. [William's mission has 3 language phases. Phase 1 religious speaking, Phase 2 secular speaking, Phase 3 reading and writing.] So now I am learning Chinese characters. My comp, Elder Nelson, has been teaching me how to text and write in Chinese. Elder Nelson is super good with characters so that is a big blessing.
This week Andy Huang2 Di4 Xiong1 got baptized! It was so special. He has progressed so much and it was such a wonderful day. Andy came to his baptism like an hour early and was so excited. We were a little bit worried because the water was filling up really slow, but we left the font filling while the talks were going on in hopes it would fill up. Our ward mission leader was announcing the program and said, "We will now hear from Elder Willes." Haha he didn't tell me I was supposed to give a talk but it went good. I shared how the Holy Ghost will bless Andy's life. I shared 2 Nephi 31:20 of the requirements for Eternal Life. It went good.
"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." 2 Nephi 31:20
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| Elder Nelson, Andy and Elder Willes at Andy's baptism |
We then went to the font and the water was literally like perfect height. Such a miracle. After Elder Nelson baptized him I gave Andy a big old hug and you could literally see the light of Christ in his eyes and a big smile. The spirit was so strong. When they were changing clothes I was just sitting in the hall waiting for them alone and reflecting on how blessed I am to see people come unto Christ and participate in God's work on earth. Seriously how cool is that?? I am so blessed! Also there was supposed to be a big old typhoon this weekend [Typhoon Fung-Wong] and there was talk about church maybe being cancelled. Most Taiwanese never go out in the rain so we prayed hard for clear skies. And sure enough clear skies! And the downpour of rain came AFTER church. So on Sunday, Andy was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So special. Can't even describe the feelings I had as I participated in the blessing he received when given the gift of the Holy Ghost. So special.
Also a few funny experiences this week. My comp Elder Nelson told me that I was sleep talking in Chinese one night. He said he woke up and it sounded like I was trying to set up an appt or something hahaha hilarious. And for exercise our apartment complex on the 2nd floor has a work-out room with a sweet ping pong table so we've been playing ping pong daily. So great. Also some good motivation to get up at 6:30! We also went to Taipei because Elder Nelson had a district meeting so I had two hours to catch up with Elder Dethloff as our comps were in meeting. That was great. Also Sister Smith from my MTC district just moved to Zhong1 Li4 and is now in my district so that's fun!
We also have started meeting with the sister's investigator Luo2 Jie3 Mei4 because she is really ai4shuo1hua4 (talkative) and for some reason she listens to us better. We met with her a few times and finished the lessons with her and she will be having her baptismal interview this week so pray for her. We also met with Ace and taught him the word of wisdom and it was really cool. He accepted it and has started obeying it! His baptismal date is 10/18/14. Also, Joy is doing great. Came to church yesterday and loved it. She took notes in gospel principles class. I love seeing that! She still really struggles with tea but she is trying! We are going to help her. She is gonna do this! Her baptismal date goal is 10/25/14.
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| Pictures from FHE last night sent to us from Ya ShiuanHan (front left) |
We also met a guy English contacting that came to English class and loved it! He also loved the spiritual share. We also played basketball with him one day this week during our exercise time. And he came to church! We are going to start meeting with him this next week. His name is Ken. The rest of our investigators were busy this week. But such a great week filled with miracles.
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| A package from home complete with Mac-n-Cheese and CupCakes |
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| Elder Willes setting up appointments |
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| Passion fruit - so yummy! |
So blessed to be a Taiwan, Taipei missionary! We also got 20 lessons again! So grateful for the Book of Mormon and for a latter-day prophet President Monson. Elder Ballard once was asked, "besides the BoM and priesthood authority what is different from your church than any other christian church?" He responded and said, "If Moses were still on the Earth would you listen to what he said?." We believe we have a Prophet just the same as Moses who has the authority from God, receives revelation and leads the TRUE church of Jesus Christ." How cool is that? The church is true!
And go Cougars!
Elder Willes
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