Forever a Missionary at Seoul: Week 70

We are seeing more and more new people each week doing English connect and I feel like it is going to continue to grow! I am excited to have another way to show my love for the people!
I love being able to talk to new young adults through English Connect. They are a lot more open to hearing new things than the older folks!

I am excited for this new transfer! Last transfer I had the goal of becoming a "visionary man" (It may sound silly to some if you weren't following some of my previous emails, Here is the scripture reference. 1 Nephi 5: 1-5) And, if I would describe what this transfer is going to be like, I would say it is going to be a transfer of learning how to invest in the Lord's business, or becoming an investor.
What I mean by that is that we are not just relying on our day to day personal efforts, but learning how we can make an effect on the area we are serving in that will last. Seeing the long-run! Not focusing so much on the things that will change based on the amount of diligence the new missionary puts in when replacing me, but more doing something that will retain the work I have done. Or, in other words investing!

Investing is to "spend money, time, or energy on something, especially for some benefit or purpose [that will become realized later down the line]."

There are multiple ways that I am going to invest this transfer while I am working in this branch, but the biggest way I feel I can invest, well really that any missionary can invest in an any area they work in, is in the members! Because after all they are the ones that will remain and carry on the branch after you leave.

As I have quoted before, "Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Him. If He simply wanted us to be obedient, He would use immediate rewards and punishments to influence our behaviors.

But God is not interested in His children just becoming trained and obedient “pets” who will not chew on His slippers in the celestial living room. No, God wants His children to grow up spiritually and join Him in the family business." ~Elder Dale G. Renlund, Gen Con 2018 Oct

I want to grow up and BECOME like Him! And invest into the family business!!!!!!!!! He did say that those who will follow Him, will become inheritors of His kingdom.

And, honestly if you think of any business that you would want to invest in, it is because they bring lasting results. (Or for those who have thought of business before, think of the millions of people who go to universities, and according to the definition of investing, spend money, time, or energy on something, especially for some benefit or purpose [that will become realized later down the line]. Would you consider learning and getting an education an investment??)

But, unlike any earthly business that can bring risks, making your situations worse than they were before through corrupt systems or economy, or so on, the Lord's Family Business' system is completely true and it will never falter, and can never become corrupted. And, unlike earthly businesses that think of the long run in terms of their life on earth, the Lord's Family Business lasts for the eternities. I would say that is the longest run any one could hope for. What better thing to invest in than that?

Galatians, Chapter 6
"7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

3 Nephi 13:19-21/Matt 6:19-20
"19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal."

I believe so many missionaries serving around the world are already following the principle of investing in Celestial glory, because investing requires sacrifice. Giving and giving and not seeing the immediate results (You can see that in businesses, and in getting education, etc).

But even though we may not see all of the fruits our labor will bring forth now, according to the God's law of increasing returns, our investments will bring a brighter future in the long run, reaching the eternities. ( I am also not saying that we have to wait on all the results of our work, because King Benjamin explains this beautifully. Mosiah 2:20-26, "... he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you..."

People may not understand why we would choose to spend our time as young adults, giving so much and getting nothing in return in the moment, but I know that God knows what will bring us the most lasting happiness and fulfillment in the eternities. Even though I already see so many big blessings right now, I know that God has "a land of promise [for each of us]; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands" (1 Nep 2:20)

I believe our Heavenly Father is a master of the law of investment. And, teaches us all these principles of truth, just by us following his word and trusting. I believe that faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are the best examples of being investors, maybe even without us even realizing it. I believe God understands lives by so many laws, doctrines, and truths of life and that we may not even realize that we follow those very truths as members of His restored church.

I am excited to learn other truths and learn the mysteries of God, to know the genius behind the gospel, so that I can more directly apply these truths to my life. After all He wants me to become part of the family business, and what type of businessman doesn't understand the principles by which his business is run. HAHA! Sort a funny way to put it.

I hope I didn't offend any of you by comparing God to a businessman or a investor. I, in no way, want to belittle Him. Though I hope that using this comparison helps some of you to see how it is applicable to your lives. Are you investing in the right things in life??? Are you thinking of the long run?? Do you want your efforts to share His light to last longer than your stay here on this earth?

Then, I would suggest you invest yourself in the "Family Business" where families are eternal and where we will receive exhalation. The purpose of his business is this. "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

I know that God is our Heavenly Father and that he wants us to become like Him and to enjoy the same blessings that He does as an exhaled, resurrected being!

On the mission I have learned to use and to love the gift of Revelation!! As Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe!” And as Tad L Callister taught, "There are many revelations waiting for [me and] you!"
Test the Lord!

Lots if Love from Elder Alger!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas is coming!!

Members take us out to expensive restaurants. Hahah it is soo yummy! Traditional Korean food! I don't know how missionaries in Korea could complain. I live very comfortably. I may not always be happy with some of the results I get from the work, but I never let myself complain because I have got it so good compared to so many other missions.