A successful baptism!! Didn't see that one coming did you. And new people being taught!!! All done by the hand of God!!! Stories for another day, but all I have got to say, is that there is nothing more refreshing or as thrilling, as these things. I will find these joys back home soon.
I love loving people. Did you know that already? Hahah
I know I will miss these two years I spent serving the Lord, focusing on others as a representative of Christ in Korea. But as God has taught me so well, an answer to my prayers through His servants, this is only the best two year start to the rest of my life as a disciple of Christ!!
I can't deny the miracles I have seen during these two years, and my faith is stronger than ever.
I have loved every single moment!!! Honestly, everyday is a new adventure being in foreign lands, and having the Spirit to guide my companions and me, right there by our sides.
Wow has it been 2 years?? I NEVER WANTED IT TO END... I have learned more things on the my mission than rest of my earlier years put together, and I have been the happiest. Now I know how I am to live when I get home, because if I am the happiest now, then why would I live any differently??
Honestly, I feel like when I get home, it will feel like my mission was just a dream. A dream, but like Lehi's, that opens ones mind to spiritual matters, and to how one must live. Because no one else experienced what I experienced, it will probably make things feel more surreal. Now it is time to put to test the things I have learn here in Korea! How exciting!!
I plan to stay connected with my friends in Korea, as well as all the other amazing companions and people I have come to know and love, from all over the world. I will pray for, and read the Book of Mormon with those I helped come unto Christ in Korea, along with those I am leaving, who are still learning about the church. I have made relationships that will last eternities, and honestly these are the relationships that we look forward to enjoying further in the here after. There is no greater gift than these.
I have made many friends here but I look forward to my reunion with you all in a couple days!!!
With lots of love from Elder Timothy William Alger 안태원 장로님~^^
ONCE A MISSION IN SEOUL FOREVER A MISSIONARY IN SOUL!!
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Monday, August 5, 2019
Week 104
This week was PACKED!!!!!!!!!!!!
FINDING
It included me calling President Taylor, to ask him if it was alright to continue proselyting after the 9:00 pm curfew. We had felt prompted to do some street boarding (write a question on a board and talk to people on the street) in the shopping square near our church, LaFesta. I love street boarding!
Also, Asa, the recent convert, wanted to go finding on the streets with us, Classic! It also included calling sessions on the phone, calling all the people that I had met on the street since I had come to this area. Elder Ostler made an online chat room with new people to teach, and although phone calling session did not show much results God fulfilled this principle He taught missionaries in times of old "...yea, even altogether, or two by two...as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me, [for ye cannot amiss](D&C 80:3), [but!] only be FAITHFUL! (D&C 62:5)..
All God asks us to do is to choose what we think is best and go with!! Be faithful and diligent in that choice. Once we are committed, in a lot of my experience, it works out well and in the way He intended. While at the same time He humbles you because you don't get the results directly from your efforts.
As an example, this last week, for our finding efforts we did a lot of things, but didn't see much from it (though it was thrilling to give people opportunities). On the very last day of the week at 10:00 pm we got a call from the Assistants to the President and they introduced us to this golden guy and were able to make an appointment with him!!!
I love the way God brings forth His work. It is definitely not man's work, and He is sure to make that clear to those doing His work.
TEACHING
This last week was full of lots of fun teaching and learning. But my favorite was reading 2 Nep. 31 with Brother Seung. (We met in May, while outside doing companionship studying. Hahaha and that also reminds me... Elder Bek was slightly teasing our team last transfer on the day we found him and said "Where do you think you are going right after your study?" I replied "We are going to find a the person God prepared for us! We are coming home with a new person," and we did!!! Haha But anyways) At first he was just wanting to do language exchanging, but now it is full on gospel discussions. We came and he had already read all of 2 Nep with the highlights trying to answer the question of.. "Why did Christ even need to be baptized if he was already sinless? Isn't baptism for cleansing us of our sins?"
We enjoyed sharing about how each covenant (In Korean covenant means sacred promise) is linked to giving us the powers of Heaven, and that we need that to be able to gain a fuller access to the power of the Atonement. D&C 84:20-21 "Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
And then we got to 2 Nep 31:13 "behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel."
We asked him "Have you heard of the baptism by fire or the Gift of the Holy Ghost?"
He said "No actually"
So we explained it. "When we make a promise with God or get that inner commitment of 'I really do want to keep all his Commandments, and God wants to support us right?? You are a father. Aren't you so proud of your kids when they finally become committed and decide to do something good?? And, after the fact don't you want to do everything you can to help them to continue along that path even though there will surely be struggles and mistakes?? That is the same for our Father in Heaven. But He is a celestial exalted being with unimaginable powers. 3 Nep 14:9-11 'Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?' That is what the Gift of the Holy Ghost is!!!! So many people who are trying to follow his path are going on an impossible journey to be done by their own strength." We even showed him examples of this in the time of the Early Saints.
Acts 19
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
We then asked him, "Don't you want to have this special gift, that Christ teaches is a part of the way back home to God?"
And, he said "Yeah!!! How do I even go about getting this??"
That one shocked me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was giddy on the inside. Because up to this point he wouldn't even commit to going to Church with us quite yet, let alone the idea of baptism. But from my experience people are more open when you bring up the topic of receiving the bless of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, because this is one of the precious and pain truths that were lost during the Apostasy and the power of Godliness lost to the earth for a period. and after all who doesn't want blessings? If you talk about only keeping laws, no one is going to want to be baptized.
So, then after that shock and insight of teaching in that split second, we told him that it would mean he would have to receive it from a worthy priesthood holder and in the proper manner as Christ did with the apostles by the laying on of hands. And in order to prepare for it, he would have to learn and live according to what standards he is to live by in order to enjoy a fullness of the gift God so badly wants to give him. We told him that the next time we would talk about how we can discern the truth, what his standard are and what the standard of truth is. I am so excited with his growth and I love learning from the Spirit during the discussions we have!!!!
BAPTISM
Yesterday in 일산(Ilsan), Brother Kim 김영현 was Baptized!
It is miracle in multiple ways and could only happen through our Father!!!
First, it start with Elder Seo서하늘 or as all the people in my 동기 (my group that came to Korea together) know him as Nephi!!(굿)(좋아) We were in the MTC together and were good friends and then of course went our different ways in the mission field, me to Korea and Nephi to a non-Korean mission. But it turned out that within first weeks here in 일산(Ilsan) I got introduced to his Cousin who "just so happened" to be living here.
김영현 (Kim Young Hyun) had not been going to church for quite a few years partly due to his father's loss of faith. But right as soon as he showed up to church, after these many years, the children's Primary leader (Sis. Key 기미미) felt a strong prompting to ask 김영현 (Kim Young Hyun) to learn with us.
He said yes, but was determined to not get baptized... because that means he has to go to church and then he can't go on these fun trips with his father on the weekends. But he didn't know then how fun it was to learn gospel and that I was a determined missionary!!!
So, after about 3 months of learning, with us teaching the gospel through games, because his explosive energy and his seeing the another Primary kid, with a very similar situation as him, get baptized, he too wanted to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost for himself.
He was so well behaved and the Spirit was strong at his baptism. Right before the baptism started he and I were the only people sitting in the front of the chapel and I asked him, "What is your favorite Hymn?" I start going through a couple with him, and he quickly said no to all of them. Then I ask "What about 'I am a Child of God'?" and he said "YES!!" Immediately after the saying so the piano starts to play the song. It was our opening Hymn. He recognized it, as God knows him personally and gave this beautiful answer to a prayer unsaid.
Usually, he and his brother like to steal our tags. He was different yesterday. Elder Ostler and Elder Jeong are so good with it and the energy of it all. Little Brother 김 (Kim) wasn't about to do that kind of stuff, and even when his younger brother tried to take my tag, he would get it back and secretly give it back to me. After his baptism he hugged me, and while we were getting on some dry clothes, he started singing "When I am Baptized" and of course joined him. Such a sweet moment. His mother and grandmother shared their testimonies and she was so touched by his decision. Asa and the other missionaries sang for the baptism. Asa has only been baptized now for 6 weeks, and she surprised us when she sang so strongly, because she has a small speaking voice. She is practically a missionary cause she finds and teaches people with us.
But anyways, the Spirit was so strong that his father, his aunt and cousin who haven't been going to church, had their hearts softened. As a cherry on top of it all, we end up finding out, that I knew their cousin, Nephi from the MTC!!! That really struck them. Then the Father set up an appointment with us, and the aunt wanted her 11 year old and 8 year old to do the same thing that we did with little Brother 김 (Kim). It was there first time seeing missionaries and a baptism, so they were curious. The kid even called me "저 아저씨!" (uncle) in stead of calling me a missionary.
It was an answer to my prayers to find another family before I leave Korea!!! God answers prayers!
Nephi's whole family was blessed because God's great and elaborate planning. Everything was just the way it needed to be for this family to starting growing in faith again and continue further on the covenant path back home to Father!!
I feel honored to be a part God's plan!! I know that God has got a plan for us all, even if we can't see it now!!! Trust in the Lord's timing and listen to His Spirit and you'll be surprised!!
In our last meeting we had him write out his testimony.
김영현 형제님의 간증 (성신의 은사)
(침례 받읐을때 무슨 느낌였는지 설명한 후에...간증
침례를 하면 가장 먼저 받는 것은 성신의은사입니다. 하나님께서 받을 수 있는 선물이니까요!!! 침례는 예수그리스도의 복음이라는 경주에서 달리는 것을 시작입니다!!! 성신의 은사를 느끼면 기분이 좋겠습니다!! 성신의 은사는 우리 삶에 길잡이가 되어줄거라는것을 알고 있습니다.
예수 그리스도 이름으로 간증드립니다 아멘
Brother Kim's testimony (gift of the Holy Ghost)
Explain how you felt when you were baptized... The first thing you receive at baptism is the gift of the Holy Ghost. Because it is a gift from God!! Baptism begins with running in the race of the gospel of Jesus Christ !!! I feel good when I feel the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that the gift of the Holy Ghost will guide our lives.
I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you all!
Elder Alger
FINDING
It included me calling President Taylor, to ask him if it was alright to continue proselyting after the 9:00 pm curfew. We had felt prompted to do some street boarding (write a question on a board and talk to people on the street) in the shopping square near our church, LaFesta. I love street boarding!
Also, Asa, the recent convert, wanted to go finding on the streets with us, Classic! It also included calling sessions on the phone, calling all the people that I had met on the street since I had come to this area. Elder Ostler made an online chat room with new people to teach, and although phone calling session did not show much results God fulfilled this principle He taught missionaries in times of old "...yea, even altogether, or two by two...as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me, [for ye cannot amiss](D&C 80:3), [but!] only be FAITHFUL! (D&C 62:5)..
All God asks us to do is to choose what we think is best and go with!! Be faithful and diligent in that choice. Once we are committed, in a lot of my experience, it works out well and in the way He intended. While at the same time He humbles you because you don't get the results directly from your efforts.
As an example, this last week, for our finding efforts we did a lot of things, but didn't see much from it (though it was thrilling to give people opportunities). On the very last day of the week at 10:00 pm we got a call from the Assistants to the President and they introduced us to this golden guy and were able to make an appointment with him!!!
I love the way God brings forth His work. It is definitely not man's work, and He is sure to make that clear to those doing His work.
TEACHING
This last week was full of lots of fun teaching and learning. But my favorite was reading 2 Nep. 31 with Brother Seung. (We met in May, while outside doing companionship studying. Hahaha and that also reminds me... Elder Bek was slightly teasing our team last transfer on the day we found him and said "Where do you think you are going right after your study?" I replied "We are going to find a the person God prepared for us! We are coming home with a new person," and we did!!! Haha But anyways) At first he was just wanting to do language exchanging, but now it is full on gospel discussions. We came and he had already read all of 2 Nep with the highlights trying to answer the question of.. "Why did Christ even need to be baptized if he was already sinless? Isn't baptism for cleansing us of our sins?"
We enjoyed sharing about how each covenant (In Korean covenant means sacred promise) is linked to giving us the powers of Heaven, and that we need that to be able to gain a fuller access to the power of the Atonement. D&C 84:20-21 "Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
And then we got to 2 Nep 31:13 "behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel."
We asked him "Have you heard of the baptism by fire or the Gift of the Holy Ghost?"
He said "No actually"
So we explained it. "When we make a promise with God or get that inner commitment of 'I really do want to keep all his Commandments, and God wants to support us right?? You are a father. Aren't you so proud of your kids when they finally become committed and decide to do something good?? And, after the fact don't you want to do everything you can to help them to continue along that path even though there will surely be struggles and mistakes?? That is the same for our Father in Heaven. But He is a celestial exalted being with unimaginable powers. 3 Nep 14:9-11 'Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?' That is what the Gift of the Holy Ghost is!!!! So many people who are trying to follow his path are going on an impossible journey to be done by their own strength." We even showed him examples of this in the time of the Early Saints.
Acts 19
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
We then asked him, "Don't you want to have this special gift, that Christ teaches is a part of the way back home to God?"
And, he said "Yeah!!! How do I even go about getting this??"
That one shocked me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was giddy on the inside. Because up to this point he wouldn't even commit to going to Church with us quite yet, let alone the idea of baptism. But from my experience people are more open when you bring up the topic of receiving the bless of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, because this is one of the precious and pain truths that were lost during the Apostasy and the power of Godliness lost to the earth for a period. and after all who doesn't want blessings? If you talk about only keeping laws, no one is going to want to be baptized.
So, then after that shock and insight of teaching in that split second, we told him that it would mean he would have to receive it from a worthy priesthood holder and in the proper manner as Christ did with the apostles by the laying on of hands. And in order to prepare for it, he would have to learn and live according to what standards he is to live by in order to enjoy a fullness of the gift God so badly wants to give him. We told him that the next time we would talk about how we can discern the truth, what his standard are and what the standard of truth is. I am so excited with his growth and I love learning from the Spirit during the discussions we have!!!!
BAPTISM
Yesterday in 일산(Ilsan), Brother Kim 김영현 was Baptized!
It is miracle in multiple ways and could only happen through our Father!!!
First, it start with Elder Seo서하늘 or as all the people in my 동기 (my group that came to Korea together) know him as Nephi!!(굿)(좋아) We were in the MTC together and were good friends and then of course went our different ways in the mission field, me to Korea and Nephi to a non-Korean mission. But it turned out that within first weeks here in 일산(Ilsan) I got introduced to his Cousin who "just so happened" to be living here.
김영현 (Kim Young Hyun) had not been going to church for quite a few years partly due to his father's loss of faith. But right as soon as he showed up to church, after these many years, the children's Primary leader (Sis. Key 기미미) felt a strong prompting to ask 김영현 (Kim Young Hyun) to learn with us.
He said yes, but was determined to not get baptized... because that means he has to go to church and then he can't go on these fun trips with his father on the weekends. But he didn't know then how fun it was to learn gospel and that I was a determined missionary!!!
So, after about 3 months of learning, with us teaching the gospel through games, because his explosive energy and his seeing the another Primary kid, with a very similar situation as him, get baptized, he too wanted to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost for himself.
He was so well behaved and the Spirit was strong at his baptism. Right before the baptism started he and I were the only people sitting in the front of the chapel and I asked him, "What is your favorite Hymn?" I start going through a couple with him, and he quickly said no to all of them. Then I ask "What about 'I am a Child of God'?" and he said "YES!!" Immediately after the saying so the piano starts to play the song. It was our opening Hymn. He recognized it, as God knows him personally and gave this beautiful answer to a prayer unsaid.
Usually, he and his brother like to steal our tags. He was different yesterday. Elder Ostler and Elder Jeong are so good with it and the energy of it all. Little Brother 김 (Kim) wasn't about to do that kind of stuff, and even when his younger brother tried to take my tag, he would get it back and secretly give it back to me. After his baptism he hugged me, and while we were getting on some dry clothes, he started singing "When I am Baptized" and of course joined him. Such a sweet moment. His mother and grandmother shared their testimonies and she was so touched by his decision. Asa and the other missionaries sang for the baptism. Asa has only been baptized now for 6 weeks, and she surprised us when she sang so strongly, because she has a small speaking voice. She is practically a missionary cause she finds and teaches people with us.
But anyways, the Spirit was so strong that his father, his aunt and cousin who haven't been going to church, had their hearts softened. As a cherry on top of it all, we end up finding out, that I knew their cousin, Nephi from the MTC!!! That really struck them. Then the Father set up an appointment with us, and the aunt wanted her 11 year old and 8 year old to do the same thing that we did with little Brother 김 (Kim). It was there first time seeing missionaries and a baptism, so they were curious. The kid even called me "저 아저씨!" (uncle) in stead of calling me a missionary.
It was an answer to my prayers to find another family before I leave Korea!!! God answers prayers!
Nephi's whole family was blessed because God's great and elaborate planning. Everything was just the way it needed to be for this family to starting growing in faith again and continue further on the covenant path back home to Father!!
I feel honored to be a part God's plan!! I know that God has got a plan for us all, even if we can't see it now!!! Trust in the Lord's timing and listen to His Spirit and you'll be surprised!!
In our last meeting we had him write out his testimony.
김영현 형제님의 간증 (성신의 은사)
(침례 받읐을때 무슨 느낌였는지 설명한 후에...간증
침례를 하면 가장 먼저 받는 것은 성신의은사입니다. 하나님께서 받을 수 있는 선물이니까요!!! 침례는 예수그리스도의 복음이라는 경주에서 달리는 것을 시작입니다!!! 성신의 은사를 느끼면 기분이 좋겠습니다!! 성신의 은사는 우리 삶에 길잡이가 되어줄거라는것을 알고 있습니다.
예수 그리스도 이름으로 간증드립니다 아멘
Brother Kim's testimony (gift of the Holy Ghost)
Explain how you felt when you were baptized... The first thing you receive at baptism is the gift of the Holy Ghost. Because it is a gift from God!! Baptism begins with running in the race of the gospel of Jesus Christ !!! I feel good when I feel the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that the gift of the Holy Ghost will guide our lives.
I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you all!
Elder Alger
Monday, July 29, 2019
Week 103
This last week was fun of adventures!!!
The whole 일산 (Ilsan) house is now in a church video, replaying Elder Beks experience.
It was cool and we found out that the camera man wasn't a member. We had a good lunch talking about the gospel with him.
We made a Zombie Escape Room this last weekend for the youth as missionaries. We gathered clues together and darkened the whole 3rd floor and move furniture and had clues in rooms for them to solve in order to win.
We scared the leaders and had fun with the youth. There were a good amount of nonmembers who came as well.
It was so much fun! I love our youth.
And, we are having a baptism this coming up Sunday, so we are going to members homes and inviting them to bring a friend to this great event. We are so excited for him.
But my favorite thing from this last week was what I learned while having a discussion with Daniel....
GOD is the Standard of all Truth, no man is.
- "I am not the one to choose if this is true or not" ~Daniel
- "Why are the other church people wrong (stupid as you put it) in the way they do things?"~Me "When I asked them questions they don't answer me. Like when I ask them what about the 외경. They completely reject even their existence. Why? Just because their 목사님 (pastor) told them it was so." ~Daniel "Wow!! You know from your own personal experience that it is obvious when something is wrong. And that no man or 선교사(missionary) or John can set the standard of truth"
We all know soooo clearly from the Bible that there is only "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5) Meaning that God has provided the best perfect way. But the problem now comes in discerning which is the right way. Right?
I am so grateful that I have learned who the Standard of Truth is, because then I can know how to act or which foundation I should build upon. And, I am put to ease by the fact that I know as to where my future lies and I have the promises of this scripture.
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helman 5:12)
I know this is the way because of many spiritual witnesses I have received from God. Expressed to me in a way no man can.
"No wicked man could [even] write such a book as [Book of Mormon]; and no good man would [even dare to try to] write it... UNLESS it were true and he were commanded of God to do so.”
Wicked men most certainly do not set the standard of truth and it is plain and obvious that they are wrong because of their motivation and their hearts, but not even good men can set the standard of truth of what is right and wrong no matter how good they are. Only God can. And only He the keeper of truth can be the one to choose who will be His keeper of Truth, the Living Prophet. Joseph Smith was called by God to restore the truth just as Moses and others at the beginning of dispensations to bring back what was lost. And the prophets following these men were chosen by God to reveal the will of God and maintain that truth which was restored.
I am thankful for our living Prophet, Russell M Nelson, for being God's worthy spokesman.
Love this the restored gospel and I know what God expects of me because I know who is the standard of truth.
~Elder Alger
The whole 일산 (Ilsan) house is now in a church video, replaying Elder Beks experience.
It was cool and we found out that the camera man wasn't a member. We had a good lunch talking about the gospel with him.
We made a Zombie Escape Room this last weekend for the youth as missionaries. We gathered clues together and darkened the whole 3rd floor and move furniture and had clues in rooms for them to solve in order to win.
We scared the leaders and had fun with the youth. There were a good amount of nonmembers who came as well.
It was so much fun! I love our youth.
And, we are having a baptism this coming up Sunday, so we are going to members homes and inviting them to bring a friend to this great event. We are so excited for him.
But my favorite thing from this last week was what I learned while having a discussion with Daniel....
GOD is the Standard of all Truth, no man is.
- "I am not the one to choose if this is true or not" ~Daniel
- "Why are the other church people wrong (stupid as you put it) in the way they do things?"~Me "When I asked them questions they don't answer me. Like when I ask them what about the 외경. They completely reject even their existence. Why? Just because their 목사님 (pastor) told them it was so." ~Daniel "Wow!! You know from your own personal experience that it is obvious when something is wrong. And that no man or 선교사(missionary) or John can set the standard of truth"
We all know soooo clearly from the Bible that there is only "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5) Meaning that God has provided the best perfect way. But the problem now comes in discerning which is the right way. Right?
I am so grateful that I have learned who the Standard of Truth is, because then I can know how to act or which foundation I should build upon. And, I am put to ease by the fact that I know as to where my future lies and I have the promises of this scripture.
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helman 5:12)
I know this is the way because of many spiritual witnesses I have received from God. Expressed to me in a way no man can.
"No wicked man could [even] write such a book as [Book of Mormon]; and no good man would [even dare to try to] write it... UNLESS it were true and he were commanded of God to do so.”
Wicked men most certainly do not set the standard of truth and it is plain and obvious that they are wrong because of their motivation and their hearts, but not even good men can set the standard of truth of what is right and wrong no matter how good they are. Only God can. And only He the keeper of truth can be the one to choose who will be His keeper of Truth, the Living Prophet. Joseph Smith was called by God to restore the truth just as Moses and others at the beginning of dispensations to bring back what was lost. And the prophets following these men were chosen by God to reveal the will of God and maintain that truth which was restored.
I am thankful for our living Prophet, Russell M Nelson, for being God's worthy spokesman.
Love this the restored gospel and I know what God expects of me because I know who is the standard of truth.
~Elder Alger
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Week 102
This last week was another great one!!!! Honestly, I love my companions!!!!!!!!! They are the best!!!! I don't mind the threesome life it makes things more exciting and you can teach more people with one team if you've got the members support!!! Nothing to complain about!
This last week we had lots of teaching, almost all of them had members present as well. I love the members here, by the way! We have many new people we are teaching and those that we are teaching are all progressing!! Some are crazy and drop us a couple days later, which just makes things exciting, Most of the others I would considered great friends to me!! They are all very nice, and it is fun to learn with them!
And, guess what?? NOW our team has 3 baptismal dates!!! Whoot Whoot!!!! Lord as has a way!!! I am finishing on FIRE!!! That is for sure!
Mercury ~ He is a student and busy everyday of the week except Sunday. He accepts what we share very, very well! And a recent convert named Hero is helping him!! Such good kids, they are all 20 years old so I am considered a big brother to them.
Brother Kim~ An 11 year old that has been learning with us. His father used to be the 서기 (clerk) for eight years, but after 8 years of doing the 서기 work during Sunday school and not doing personal study, he lost testimony and so the mom has a hard time getting to church and the kid never got baptized. But, he decided to be baptized yesterday at Sister Lee and Yee's kid baptism. It just goes to show that you never should put off your scripture study and sharing your testimony with others no matter how big you think your faith is. Eat your spiritual food everyday!! Pray, read scriptures, go to church and serve others, then share your insights!!!
(Picture of the baptism that help our little friend decide to be baptized, Elder Ostler was sooooo eager to have his first baptism even though the cutie was technically taught by the sisters.)
He saw another kid getting baptized and said that he want to get baptized after explaining to him."Hey you are keeping all the commandments and that means you qualify for baptism, and God wants you to promise with Him and be committed to following Him. And, in return and he actually will give you a special present. It is called the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It comforts you and guides you and keeps you safe. It is your companion after baptism, because God knows that it isn't easy to stay true on our own, even though we learned for ourselves. Isn't God so smart and kind!!"
Riku~ Sort of same situation as the other kid, but his father is Japanese and is gone all the time. He is almost 9 years old but still eight and he said that he would like to get baptized with the other kid. He is a shy one.
I feel so blessed to teach so many wonderful people and make lasting relationships while I am hear in Korea!!! I don't plan on ever stopping communication with all those I got to learn with!!
Fun Spiritual insight I liked from PMG and D&C
"The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we can feel God’s love and direction for us. This gift is a foretaste of eternal joy and a promise of eternal life and exaltation."
D&C Section 88
"3 Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.
4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;"
I am comforted by the fact that when I feel the comforting presences of His Spirit, I know that I am staying true to the covenant I made when I was 8 years old and that I am retaining a remission of my sins. It helps me to not only by guiding me in the moment and easing my soul, but it reaffirms that I am on the straight and narrow path returning home to Father! I feel a great understanding of the scriptures and mysteries of heaven by it and gives me a great sense of the grace the so fully He offers to all of us!! I am so grateful for this gift and it is a gift that was given to the early saints and is not found in any other church on earth other than here at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!! I know the church has been restored and that the veil is ever getting thinner as we follow His prepared covenant path. Each of the spiritual gifts, gives us a better taste of heaven and we get to learn how to make heaven here on earth. Thank goodness for youth who have sincere questions that they bring to God; for that is how we got the fullness of the gospel through Joseph Smith.
Keep searching, treasure these Spiritual Gifts and never stop feeding your Spirit!!!
Elder Alger
This last week we had lots of teaching, almost all of them had members present as well. I love the members here, by the way! We have many new people we are teaching and those that we are teaching are all progressing!! Some are crazy and drop us a couple days later, which just makes things exciting, Most of the others I would considered great friends to me!! They are all very nice, and it is fun to learn with them!
And, guess what?? NOW our team has 3 baptismal dates!!! Whoot Whoot!!!! Lord as has a way!!! I am finishing on FIRE!!! That is for sure!
Mercury ~ He is a student and busy everyday of the week except Sunday. He accepts what we share very, very well! And a recent convert named Hero is helping him!! Such good kids, they are all 20 years old so I am considered a big brother to them.
Brother Kim~ An 11 year old that has been learning with us. His father used to be the 서기 (clerk) for eight years, but after 8 years of doing the 서기 work during Sunday school and not doing personal study, he lost testimony and so the mom has a hard time getting to church and the kid never got baptized. But, he decided to be baptized yesterday at Sister Lee and Yee's kid baptism. It just goes to show that you never should put off your scripture study and sharing your testimony with others no matter how big you think your faith is. Eat your spiritual food everyday!! Pray, read scriptures, go to church and serve others, then share your insights!!!
(Picture of the baptism that help our little friend decide to be baptized, Elder Ostler was sooooo eager to have his first baptism even though the cutie was technically taught by the sisters.)
He saw another kid getting baptized and said that he want to get baptized after explaining to him."Hey you are keeping all the commandments and that means you qualify for baptism, and God wants you to promise with Him and be committed to following Him. And, in return and he actually will give you a special present. It is called the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It comforts you and guides you and keeps you safe. It is your companion after baptism, because God knows that it isn't easy to stay true on our own, even though we learned for ourselves. Isn't God so smart and kind!!"
Riku~ Sort of same situation as the other kid, but his father is Japanese and is gone all the time. He is almost 9 years old but still eight and he said that he would like to get baptized with the other kid. He is a shy one.
I feel so blessed to teach so many wonderful people and make lasting relationships while I am hear in Korea!!! I don't plan on ever stopping communication with all those I got to learn with!!
Fun Spiritual insight I liked from PMG and D&C
"The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we can feel God’s love and direction for us. This gift is a foretaste of eternal joy and a promise of eternal life and exaltation."
D&C Section 88
"3 Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.
4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;"
I am comforted by the fact that when I feel the comforting presences of His Spirit, I know that I am staying true to the covenant I made when I was 8 years old and that I am retaining a remission of my sins. It helps me to not only by guiding me in the moment and easing my soul, but it reaffirms that I am on the straight and narrow path returning home to Father! I feel a great understanding of the scriptures and mysteries of heaven by it and gives me a great sense of the grace the so fully He offers to all of us!! I am so grateful for this gift and it is a gift that was given to the early saints and is not found in any other church on earth other than here at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!! I know the church has been restored and that the veil is ever getting thinner as we follow His prepared covenant path. Each of the spiritual gifts, gives us a better taste of heaven and we get to learn how to make heaven here on earth. Thank goodness for youth who have sincere questions that they bring to God; for that is how we got the fullness of the gospel through Joseph Smith.
Keep searching, treasure these Spiritual Gifts and never stop feeding your Spirit!!!
Elder Alger
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Week 101
This is my last transfer and I am training a Korean. I love him. He knows Korean but he sometimes gives me the phone saying "I don't know what to say" and that is when I say, "But, you are the Korean here!!" then he concludes "I am not Korean, you are more Korean then I am."
He doesn't know anything about grammar, but is this bubble of sunshine. He is so cute! (Though he is older than me in age.)
He has very simple questions about the Gospel, but I love that he asks them and that he is earnestly searching the Scriptures. Honestly I feel like I learn more when I am teaching the Gospel because I have to know to explain it in a way that makes it click for others. I love him!!! He makes me happy when I am frustrated or twisted up in the work.
And, my other companion is a state champ wrestler from Utah. We have deep conversations about the Gospel all of the time. He has great insights from the scriptures. He is thoroughly reading through them for the first time. It is amazing how people believe what they believe in other churches because the Bible says it so clearly! Though, sometimes, we get energetic about our thoughts of the Gospel. I love him to pieces and wouldn't be surprised to see him as the Assistant to the President the next year. Such a stellar Elder!
I feel bad when I speak in English or Korean because one way or the other, I leave one of my companions out of the conversation. But I guess they both need to learn the languages eventually.
I am the busiest I have ever been on my mission, because there are so many people that we have gospel discussions with. Even though those we are teaching are all stuck with their own specific problems, I can see them progressing and I cheer at the small successes they are having. Ilsan is a really nice place with amazing members and a mind blowing meeting house!! I can't think of a better place to finish my mission!
Yesterday, we were in the middle of talking with the mother of a Korean friend, who's family is less active (김민규), and suddenly the bishop of the other ward in the building grabbed us. He said to come in and eat with them, but we insisted on just continuing our conversation with this Sister. Then both the sister and the Bishop started to saying to go eat. So we went in. We found it was a meal for the bishops and the North Asia Area President. Honestly, it was awkward to be with all these leaders, feeling like we didn't fit in, but it was cool to get to know them. They were all very kind and welcoming.
I have this whole week packed with people that we want to meet. I spent all of Sunday evening setting up the appointments with my companions. I am not going to waste a single moment out here, in the mission field! I love the work!!!
Love you all!
Elder Alger
He doesn't know anything about grammar, but is this bubble of sunshine. He is so cute! (Though he is older than me in age.)
He has very simple questions about the Gospel, but I love that he asks them and that he is earnestly searching the Scriptures. Honestly I feel like I learn more when I am teaching the Gospel because I have to know to explain it in a way that makes it click for others. I love him!!! He makes me happy when I am frustrated or twisted up in the work.
And, my other companion is a state champ wrestler from Utah. We have deep conversations about the Gospel all of the time. He has great insights from the scriptures. He is thoroughly reading through them for the first time. It is amazing how people believe what they believe in other churches because the Bible says it so clearly! Though, sometimes, we get energetic about our thoughts of the Gospel. I love him to pieces and wouldn't be surprised to see him as the Assistant to the President the next year. Such a stellar Elder!
I feel bad when I speak in English or Korean because one way or the other, I leave one of my companions out of the conversation. But I guess they both need to learn the languages eventually.
I am the busiest I have ever been on my mission, because there are so many people that we have gospel discussions with. Even though those we are teaching are all stuck with their own specific problems, I can see them progressing and I cheer at the small successes they are having. Ilsan is a really nice place with amazing members and a mind blowing meeting house!! I can't think of a better place to finish my mission!
Yesterday, we were in the middle of talking with the mother of a Korean friend, who's family is less active (김민규), and suddenly the bishop of the other ward in the building grabbed us. He said to come in and eat with them, but we insisted on just continuing our conversation with this Sister. Then both the sister and the Bishop started to saying to go eat. So we went in. We found it was a meal for the bishops and the North Asia Area President. Honestly, it was awkward to be with all these leaders, feeling like we didn't fit in, but it was cool to get to know them. They were all very kind and welcoming.
I have this whole week packed with people that we want to meet. I spent all of Sunday evening setting up the appointments with my companions. I am not going to waste a single moment out here, in the mission field! I love the work!!!
Love you all!
Elder Alger
Me, my companions, Elder Ostler and Elder Jung, and Sena Yamaguchi
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Week 100
Wowowow!!! I can not believe it!!! I only have a month and 7 days before I go home...... ahahaha! It is crazy!!!! Still weird to me that I can't extend, but I know that God has something in store for me when I get home.
But, anyways, I am loving being a trainer to a Korean Elder. It is way less stressful than training a foreigner. And, I love Elder Jung. He is always smiling and relaxed. I enjoy before and after Proselyting times when we just sit there reading scriptures with him. He has a background in the church but doesn't know anything terribly deep about the gospel so it is fun to discover new truths together.
Honestly, we are having lots of Gospel Discussions here and I am enjoying every second. It is fun to see the hearts of those we are teaching change. It is the greatest miracle I have seen on my mission, a heart touched by the Spirit and turned toward the covenant path.
I love being a missionary and I love Korea!!! I know that God lives and that he is my Savior!!! I can't deny it!
I will Ever be a missionary in Seoul!
Love,
Elder Alger
I wanted to stay with Elder Ostler for my last transfer, or be with a native Korean. I got both! Prayers are answered. I'm teaching Korean to one and English to the other. We are working hard, learning much, and having a great time.
But, anyways, I am loving being a trainer to a Korean Elder. It is way less stressful than training a foreigner. And, I love Elder Jung. He is always smiling and relaxed. I enjoy before and after Proselyting times when we just sit there reading scriptures with him. He has a background in the church but doesn't know anything terribly deep about the gospel so it is fun to discover new truths together.
Honestly, we are having lots of Gospel Discussions here and I am enjoying every second. It is fun to see the hearts of those we are teaching change. It is the greatest miracle I have seen on my mission, a heart touched by the Spirit and turned toward the covenant path.
I love being a missionary and I love Korea!!! I know that God lives and that he is my Savior!!! I can't deny it!
I will Ever be a missionary in Seoul!
Love,
Elder Alger
I wanted to stay with Elder Ostler for my last transfer, or be with a native Korean. I got both! Prayers are answered. I'm teaching Korean to one and English to the other. We are working hard, learning much, and having a great time.
LUNCH TIME!!!
Me, Elder Ostler and Elder Jung
These are granny pants, as the are known in Korea, because only grannies wear them in public. Everyone wears them for sleeping in. They are about $2 each. I'm getting some for the fam!
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Week 99
President Taylor got the revelation correct with Elder Jeong! I am a trainer now!!! Round 2~! I actually couldn't go to sleep well the night before, so every time I woke up, I prayed that President would be in tune with the Spirit well enough to put me with the right missionary. I knew he got it right as we were walking home from the office. I love Him! He always is smiling and he is very laid back. He is willing to get the work done!! And, it is fun to have my 2nd Korean companion.
Elder Jeong said that the reason he came out on the mission is because he wanted to find out for himself that the church is true. His parents and all his older siblings went on missions and so he wanted to find out for himself. He has had 2 great spiritual experiences in the MTC that he share with me, so he recognizes that answer to a prayer, is eager to have more testimony building experiences, and help others do the same. He said that he is reading the Book of Mormon for the first time and so I am looking forward to having good gospel discussions during Comp. Study. He has also said that he enjoys Gospel discussions with people who are learning with us, because I teach things in a way that he has never heard it before and that he gets new insights. I don't think I teach anything too special, but I love that I get to be there for him as he starts his journey!!!
I believe that Elder Ostler is now able to apply what he has learned with me because he takes the lead a lot in what is going on in that team. Elder Bek still sleeps a lot but it is better than before. They are happy together. They haven't been separated house wise since the beginning of his mission and are thrilled to finally be companions. We still all live together.
As always I love being a missionary. Elder Jeong has helped us already find people on the streets. We had a first lesson with another person, who asked us in the middle of the Sacrament, "How do I become a member of this church" We told him that it is through baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost like he had seen Brother Hong receive that day. And, so he started lessons with us!!!!!!!
I love having gospel discussions because I like learning from other people and sharing insights.
Miracles never cease in 일산!!!!! To many miracles to write.
Love,
Elder Alger
Elder Jeong said that the reason he came out on the mission is because he wanted to find out for himself that the church is true. His parents and all his older siblings went on missions and so he wanted to find out for himself. He has had 2 great spiritual experiences in the MTC that he share with me, so he recognizes that answer to a prayer, is eager to have more testimony building experiences, and help others do the same. He said that he is reading the Book of Mormon for the first time and so I am looking forward to having good gospel discussions during Comp. Study. He has also said that he enjoys Gospel discussions with people who are learning with us, because I teach things in a way that he has never heard it before and that he gets new insights. I don't think I teach anything too special, but I love that I get to be there for him as he starts his journey!!!
I believe that Elder Ostler is now able to apply what he has learned with me because he takes the lead a lot in what is going on in that team. Elder Bek still sleeps a lot but it is better than before. They are happy together. They haven't been separated house wise since the beginning of his mission and are thrilled to finally be companions. We still all live together.
As always I love being a missionary. Elder Jeong has helped us already find people on the streets. We had a first lesson with another person, who asked us in the middle of the Sacrament, "How do I become a member of this church" We told him that it is through baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost like he had seen Brother Hong receive that day. And, so he started lessons with us!!!!!!!
I love having gospel discussions because I like learning from other people and sharing insights.
Miracles never cease in 일산!!!!! To many miracles to write.
Love,
Elder Alger
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Week 98 videos
Playing in the gym
Zombie Maze - a missionary thriller!
Made it to the top of the mountain!
Week 98
I can not believe that there is only 7 weeks left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was a great transition into Ilsan! We started out with not many people to teach, but now there are almost too many to teach them all and I love them all so much!
I know God's role and mine.
God's job is to fix people.
Mine is to love people.
I just need to to love and then leave the results to God. If the person get's fixed, I praise God. If not, I just love them anyways. After all that's all I can offer.
I am just the tool in God's hands, the deliver of the great news. He still communes with man, as He did with those of the past. Through that close and covenant relationship with God, the powers of heaven can be opened in your life and you too can be a deliver of God's pure love and light in this dark chaotic world of mixed messages, to invite others to learn of Christ and come unto Him and then help us spread His light to the rest of the world!! How great is this Calling!!
The transfer is done! I spent 2 weeks with Elder Wagner as well, because Elder Beck needs to have follow up visits after his accident. It is fun to have gospel conversions on the streets together. They are really fun companions!! They make my day! But, now Elder Wagner is dead (he completed his mission) and I got ask by President to train again!!
I didn't expect to train and the thought didn't cross my head at all, until P-day when we did the Seoul Zone hike and Elder Torres, my first son, says you are going to train again. (Anytime we train someone brand new we call them our son, they were born in the mission to us). But, immediately following that he said "Don't do that! I am a jealous son!"
Haha.. I love that Elder. It was fun to go on exchanges with him this last week too. Good memories together.
I feel so honored to be able to train again before I die (go home). I promise that I will be doing my 100% best and this greeny won't be anything but gushing love for the people of Korea and learn exact obedience (According to the Higher Law of Christ, striving to be someone who fully understands His grace! Not being save by the law, but through Him!)
For this last transfer of my mission, I am still in eager search to learn more about Jesus Christ and to deepen my relationship with HIM! I know He is the Savior, but I want to know Him on an even deeper level, rather than just just having a belief in his divinity through the testimony of the Restoration or of the goodness of the church or answers to prayer or manifestations of miracles around me. Yes, the scriptures say "All things Testify of Christ" and that is correct, but I want to dive even deeper to the core of the Gospel! Get to the heart of it all!
Sister Jang is now Baptized!!! And other friends! This is the first grandma and I have had the wonderful opportunity to help guide her to the covenant path!!! Every missionary that has lived with me knows that I am in love with everything about 할머니 (Koreans Grandmas). And, it is a ball teaching her because she understands the the scriptures. After all, she is an experienced poet. I love learning Korean words and phrases from her! We dive in those scriptures together. But, BOY! does she love talking! Hahah sometimes she goes off talking about random things and tangents, but I love her choice of wording!
I love teaching the Gospel because I as I have discussions with others I can feel my understanding of the doctrines deepen and my eyes open to something that has been right in front of me the whole time, but now I can see them under a new light! (Of course, that is because scriptures can only truly be deciphered by the Holy Ghost and Revelation from on high!) I love learning from my companions and talking of eternal truths with them. These are things you can't find anywhere else in the world. I am eager to continue learning how to live after the pattern that our Father lives by, and learn the laws of heaven.
There are too many people to list of now, but there are many potential investigators that are headed toward the gates of baptism! It is so exciting to see people enter into a covenant relationship with their Father in Heaven and open a connection between the heavens and earth and receive the beautiful gift of having the His Spirit to be with them along their new journey, making their way back home!
I know with surety that God's plan is perfect and that if it was sightly different in anyway then life would be void. And, so I rejoice in learning His great wisdom behind the plan of lasting happiness. I have so many question that I am pondering and seek the answers for, but I never doubt. Honestly I find the search thrilling! Really!!! Because I know the truths are there in the scriptures and interpreted by His servants and He is open to giving us personal revelations, about what matters to us, by His Spirit!!
If you aren't happy or are not finding the gospel thrilling, then your are most likely missing something basic (study, prayer, fasting, seeking the Spirit, acting on promptings), because this is a Gospel of Wonder and Joy!!!! Join with me on the search together~
Love Elder Alger!
It was a great transition into Ilsan! We started out with not many people to teach, but now there are almost too many to teach them all and I love them all so much!
I know God's role and mine.
God's job is to fix people.
Mine is to love people.
I just need to to love and then leave the results to God. If the person get's fixed, I praise God. If not, I just love them anyways. After all that's all I can offer.
I am just the tool in God's hands, the deliver of the great news. He still communes with man, as He did with those of the past. Through that close and covenant relationship with God, the powers of heaven can be opened in your life and you too can be a deliver of God's pure love and light in this dark chaotic world of mixed messages, to invite others to learn of Christ and come unto Him and then help us spread His light to the rest of the world!! How great is this Calling!!
The transfer is done! I spent 2 weeks with Elder Wagner as well, because Elder Beck needs to have follow up visits after his accident. It is fun to have gospel conversions on the streets together. They are really fun companions!! They make my day! But, now Elder Wagner is dead (he completed his mission) and I got ask by President to train again!!
I didn't expect to train and the thought didn't cross my head at all, until P-day when we did the Seoul Zone hike and Elder Torres, my first son, says you are going to train again. (Anytime we train someone brand new we call them our son, they were born in the mission to us). But, immediately following that he said "Don't do that! I am a jealous son!"
Haha.. I love that Elder. It was fun to go on exchanges with him this last week too. Good memories together.
I feel so honored to be able to train again before I die (go home). I promise that I will be doing my 100% best and this greeny won't be anything but gushing love for the people of Korea and learn exact obedience (According to the Higher Law of Christ, striving to be someone who fully understands His grace! Not being save by the law, but through Him!)
For this last transfer of my mission, I am still in eager search to learn more about Jesus Christ and to deepen my relationship with HIM! I know He is the Savior, but I want to know Him on an even deeper level, rather than just just having a belief in his divinity through the testimony of the Restoration or of the goodness of the church or answers to prayer or manifestations of miracles around me. Yes, the scriptures say "All things Testify of Christ" and that is correct, but I want to dive even deeper to the core of the Gospel! Get to the heart of it all!
Sister Jang is now Baptized!!! And other friends! This is the first grandma and I have had the wonderful opportunity to help guide her to the covenant path!!! Every missionary that has lived with me knows that I am in love with everything about 할머니 (Koreans Grandmas). And, it is a ball teaching her because she understands the the scriptures. After all, she is an experienced poet. I love learning Korean words and phrases from her! We dive in those scriptures together. But, BOY! does she love talking! Hahah sometimes she goes off talking about random things and tangents, but I love her choice of wording!
I love teaching the Gospel because I as I have discussions with others I can feel my understanding of the doctrines deepen and my eyes open to something that has been right in front of me the whole time, but now I can see them under a new light! (Of course, that is because scriptures can only truly be deciphered by the Holy Ghost and Revelation from on high!) I love learning from my companions and talking of eternal truths with them. These are things you can't find anywhere else in the world. I am eager to continue learning how to live after the pattern that our Father lives by, and learn the laws of heaven.
There are too many people to list of now, but there are many potential investigators that are headed toward the gates of baptism! It is so exciting to see people enter into a covenant relationship with their Father in Heaven and open a connection between the heavens and earth and receive the beautiful gift of having the His Spirit to be with them along their new journey, making their way back home!
I know with surety that God's plan is perfect and that if it was sightly different in anyway then life would be void. And, so I rejoice in learning His great wisdom behind the plan of lasting happiness. I have so many question that I am pondering and seek the answers for, but I never doubt. Honestly I find the search thrilling! Really!!! Because I know the truths are there in the scriptures and interpreted by His servants and He is open to giving us personal revelations, about what matters to us, by His Spirit!!
If you aren't happy or are not finding the gospel thrilling, then your are most likely missing something basic (study, prayer, fasting, seeking the Spirit, acting on promptings), because this is a Gospel of Wonder and Joy!!!! Join with me on the search together~
Love Elder Alger!
Lots of pictures this week!
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