This last week was another fun week of teaching with Brianne, we taught her all of the commandments before she left for a week to go to Japan.
It is fun to have discussions with her because she loves learning and is so eager. Her goal is to finish the Book of Mormon before she is Baptized. She honestly feels like a member already and even though there are some language barriers with the members here she loves them and they love her. The president of the Branch even did a Korea BBQ with her before she left for Japan. (Sadly no pictures of the BBQ, but is sure was delicious)
We also had exchanges with the APs this last week. I knew the date, and so I had been calling a lot of people (searching for returning members, and other potential people to teach), but even though I made a gazillion calls to people, I didn't end up getting a single appointment. Haha, that was too bad, so that meant that we would have to go out finding. Let's GO!!
Here in Dong-Hae there are not a lot of people on the streets and people don't have a culture of answering doors. But, despite that we went out to give a talk to the members who aren't active at the moment and to reach out to them, but no one answered there doors or phones. Haha.
After the long search we went downtown (which isn't much of a downtown). And did some English Connect Promotions. I don't mind these activities because everyone loves English here, and if they don't like it they know of it's usefulness. But, even though things didn't go out the way I wanted, I sure did learn a whole lot from our AP! I just love Elder White's energy and his vision! A very diligent missionary and I relate a lot with him!
Yesterday, I and my greeny had a heart to heart. This last week Elder Torres had been having an inner struggle that was very, very sudden and out of nowhere. It is hard to be new in the mission because it is really frustrating that you can't see your growth in Korean in the moment, and you can't understand anything. But, he also was sort of struggling thinking of how he would be of better use back home in the Philippines. His branch has now had almost 30 new converts since he left on his mission and 5 of those new converts were his students that he had taught English, and invited them to hear discussions with missionaries. (The Philippines is exploding in missionary work! No wonder there are 3 temples under construction over there at this moment)
But, he said that my positive attitude & encouragement, plus the huge miracle of Brianne is what keeps him going. He said that he struggled (or had a faith crisis) this last week especially because he wasn't seeing the tiny miracles and His grace helping him along the way.
For those who have not seen this yet, please give it a watch!! It is extreme well made.
https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/his-grace/faith-crisis-what-do-we-do-when-we-feel-nothing Elder Torres really relates with this man in a lot of ways, he said. (He has had family struggles for a while now, such as divorce and the death of his older sister.)
But, the part I have really love about this video is this.
"The Lord loved me so personally and so individually and so completely that He would send an answer that I would recognize could have only come from him, from His heart to mine. I don't know how else to describe it. I was overwhelmed with grace."
First you need some background...
Elder Torres had his very first missionary lesson on his birthday, Jan. 17th, 5 years ago. And, he says that it was the best gift he has ever received. Then, he got baptized on Feb. 23rd.
He was so curious about the restored gospel. He had believed in the existence of God because of his Catholic background, but never moved to much action. As he took discussions he found answers in the restored gospel of Christ, that he couldn't find any where else, finding peace in the loss of his big sister's death and more. When he finally asked his father for permission he laughed saying "Isn't that the cult church? Haha, go ahead! But, you are just going to end up less active in 5 years."
Returning back to today.
Brianne was a miracle for me, but a whole lot more for Elder Torres. She was the miracle that God had personalized so much that only Elder Torres could recognize.
Brianne's parents too were divorced, she grew up with the Catholic belief, her first lesson was exactly on Elder Torres' birthday, she is very studious and curious, and she will be baptized on the exact same day that Elder Torres was baptized, Feb 23rd. All taking place 5 years after his fathers spiteful words.
Tell me that that it isn't plain example of how the hand of God working actively in our lives!
I had no clue when Elder Torres' Birthday was (he didn't tell me but I found out the day after on my own), and we had set the baptism according to what work for Brianne.
I know that God is extremely present in our lives and will never leave us alone!!! He knows what is best for us! And, "Even when [we] can't see it, His grace is trying to save [us]!!!"
Love Elder Alger!
Brianne is enjoying Japan!! Loved the Japan Ward there too!
The Public Library asked us to open an English class in the Library. We will open this week! Crossing fingers, and I need your prayers!
The amazing city of Dong-Hae!
