Big things that happen in the Elder Alger Black-out!
Here is one!
One of the Elders in our mission had to go out off the mission boarders for Military Obligations. But as he was out he got hurt and hit his head hard. He is healthy, except he forgot the past 4 years of his life. The crazy part was that he used to be fully inactive and had no testimony. Within those 4 years he had a different accident where his comrades all died and he practically died. This caused him to have a Spiritual Awakening. He at that point decided to make a change in his life, and ended up coming on the mission.
He was still fairly new to the mission, but was very respected because he was the oldest and he had a lot of life experience. He learned a lot of English while out and was key in the work. He also was known as a bright out going Elder. He even helped teach Dragon with Elder White and me.
But... after this accident he wasn't the same. He didn't think that he could speak English and was very somber. When his parents told him he had been on a mission and showed pictures he said he needed to get out immediately, even though he didn't have a firm testimony. He came back and it was hard to see him come in because he didn't have the light of recognition on his face when he would see an old friend, as people usually do.
For some reason this experience really made me think differently about the Plan of Salvation. I wouldn't have thought it before, but honestly from going around, I feel that every one, especially the new missionaries need to have their faith strengthened that they are not involved in the work of man, and that the powers of heaven are opened to us once again through the Restoration. Sometimes we delight in the Restoration happening in the early 1800's, and are satisfied with that fact, but the Restoration of the Gospel just started there and then, and His pure Gospel still is being restored this very moment. Even for those born in the Church. We are being restored to what we knew before we passed through the veil of forgetfulness and came to this fallen world where our faith is tried.
When I think of it this way, and I think of my mother's and sister in-law, Vivi's experience, it gives a whole other meaning to the Sacramental prayer. "...that they may remember..." as said is, maybe, less of retaining what we learned on Earth, but being Restored to the memory we once had of Christ, that we know Him.
Right now, President Taylor is carefully watching over Elder Bek to "Restore" what was lost and more. He put him with Elders that will be teaching him the lessons like an investigator, the most important investigator they'll ever get.
Seeing many missionaries that lack confidence in their work and in themselves, it makes me think that they are just more cases, like Elder Bek, they passed through the veil and need to remember.
Elder Bek had these wonderful spiritual experiences, had confidence, energy, and really increased in English Speaking ability, but once "the veil of forgetfulness" went over his mind he supposedly lost all of it, at least that is the impression he had. But, he was so utterly wrong!!!!
It was still there, and he wouldn't be the same person that he was if he didn't do the things he did before the veil of forgetfulness went over his mind. He at first he had this false belief that he could not speak English, and because of that mind set couldn't.
I saw it myself. When people were talking in English he listened for a little whilw, but then turned straight to me looking at me with a face of sheer confusion as if asking me to translate and so I did. He gave up. Then a couple of days later, he spluttered out fluent English and didn't even realize he did it at first. Seeing that, I know that he, along with all of us, have untapped ability and potential. He couldn't do it that first time because of this false belief put in his head. I have no doubt that Satan plants seeds of doubt, to grow into these facades, these gnarly tangled weeds that cover up any sign or glimmer of what our Eternal potential and divinity is for us all.
I know that God has preserved his best most noble ones for these latter days, but I also know that Satan has had millenniums of time to practice his cunning crafts, to mislead the Children of God, who have kept the first estate, to join him in misery and woe. Satan is at his prime and is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us all members and missionaries and families at an exponential rate, before his influence is taken forever and locked away by Jesus Christ!
I feel an urgent need for our missionaries to receive the Holy Ghost, for the directions, comfort, and constant influence of the powers of heaven lives there. And, that is no different for you or any other member missionaries.
Have faith in what the Prophet says he sees things we can't. Search the scriptures eagerly and pray fervently because time is running out. If you do so the veil will begin to be lifted as it has done with Prophets of old and Christ himself. Over course all done line upon line and precept upon precept.
As President Nelson says, start now!!
There are miracles!! I love going on exchanges with the Zone Leaders of our mission!!! I respect each of them and I have learned many things from them. I always see miracles on exchanges. This time everywhere we went we had street lessons about the Gospel and received lots of great contact information. Elder Goble is very humble, kind, smart, and good with the Koreans, yet just a fun Elder. No one else has a sense of humor like him. I admire his devotion to the language. I could serve with him everyday and it would never get old.
This Easter Conference was light and fun!!! It was a fun experience to be able to teach with Elder Simon (Timmy and Tommy from AZ). Just like our names fit well together, we finish each others sentences as we give training. I love his energy.
As of recently, I have been enjoying the companionship trust activities before lunches, they seem to have become a tradition now. It is a good reminder that we should always be united, and one with our companions! This time we had Easter Egg Hunt with Companions legs tied together. It was good wholesome fun.
Nokbun area... yeah a lot of the people that we were teaching have distanced themselves from us, and that has hurt me. Of course, I understand it is given to them, the right to chose that for themselves, but their choices sometimes hurt. Too many of them straight up just stop communications with us and don't give a reason as to why. Which leaves me to sit and wonder what could I have done differently so that I know what to do for future people I work with. I'll always keep them in my prayers, but it is time to find new people!
Love you all!
More pictures from the Easter activity, and some repeats
