Hello My Beautiful Family!
Wow time flies, my little cousin is married! Congrats Talia and hey David, welcome to the FAMILY! You guys all look really good in Green. Send me lots of pictures.
So this week was way hard until, last night came the blessings. We went over to the Zheng family’s house to eat dinner. They are awesome members, the Dad has been baptized for 5 years but the wife just got baptized last December. I told them for my spiritual share that when I come back to Taiwan I would love to go to the Temple with them to see their family sealed. They said probably Dec. 26th they will go. So I am looking forward to that. I invited them to start going to the temple once a month. The wife hasn’t been yet for baptisms for the dead. We committed them to go next month! Then I noticed in their house no picture of the temple. I invited them to go up to Taipei next month and buy a picture and hang it on their wall so they can always have a desire to go back. I feel really strong about that. For my family anyways there will be church pictures everywhere. That’s what a true Latter Day Saints house should look like. If we don’t have a picture of the temple let us all make sure to get one! I know it will make a big difference.
After dinner we casually asked for referrals like we always do. They were hesitant at first and said none of their friends would accept the gospel they are all Buddhist. I said so let’s go tract into your neighbors. We went outside and the first door next to them rejected us fast, but then a miracle. The next door they actually knew these neighbors really well and we asked if we could come in. The mom said yes and we started to get acquainted, then the dad came in and sat down. At that point last night I was thinking is this the family for me to baptize? The zheng family left after like 5 minutes because the Bishop came to visit them so we got to stay and teach them a first lesson. They have a little son and a 7 year old girl. We did the Prophet parable with her and she he liked it. I will explain that another day. So I said the opening prayer and afterwards the Dad was smiling like the Cheshire cat! After we shared Joseph smith I asked them do you believe, they said yes I believe he saw God because of the peace I just felt. Now let me tell you on my mission I have never heard that kind of response after the first vision!!! Usually it’s like uh I don’t know! But now both the Mom and the Dad said they believe. After the lesson the Dad said the closing prayer and again was smiling and full of joy. I clarified expectations I told him with God’s help we will help you stop smoking!!! He said you can? Man I am so excited to go back tomorrow night! They both were excited for the next visit and to give them their own copy of the Book of Mormon. I don't want to say they are golden yet, but I prayed so long last night to have them be my first family I have found, taught and baptized on my mission! Actually just teach and baptize, the members found them! I have a strong testimony of asking for referrals from everyone now!
After that we went home so happy even though it was pouring rain down on us really hard. I was so happy I contacted a car the guy said to me what do want? Haha I said I have a happy message to share with you. He said you are crazy! It’s too dangerous right now! And drove away! I don't care any weather is perfect weather for a missionary! So ya it gets better to top off the night as we were walking into our apt. I heard a Mom and Dad fighting really bad. They were screaming at each other in Taiwanese, I didn’t understand a lot because they kept changing to Chinese and back to Taiwanese but I do know it was about money! The fight started getting louder. My companion wanted to start planning. But I said no hold on I need to pray. I prayed to be able to speak with the Mom about this gospel. Immediately after my prayer I ran outside and rang their doorbell. A kid 14 yrs of age answered the door and said go away my parents are fighting as he was fighting back tears. I said no let me talk to your mom. The mom screamed no missionary go away!!! Go away!! No thank you!!! Now missionaries have lived in my apt. for over 20 years she runs into us all the time, she’s been there for 30 yrs. We invited her 2 days ago to meet with us, she politely refused. But last night my prayer changed everything! She ran out of the apt to the door and she was sobbing. I think her husband hit her a couple of times, I heard some skin 3 or 4 times. Her face was red and she had tears all over her face! When I saw this mom I started to cry and saw the love that our savior has for her! She tried to push away from the door but I said in a quiet voice. Quote" Mama my parents have been married for 23 years and I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ can save your marriage. She said no! Leave! I again testified by saying I testify that as you meet with us your family life will change and you can become an eternal family like mine. I pulled out my picture of my family that I always carry in my front pocket and showed her. She started crying and sobbing on my shoulder! I said what’s your number? She said don't worry we are neighbors. Sorry for bothering your resting time. I said No you are not going to reject this gospel anymore, this can give your family more happiness and harmony than you will ever know!! I said boldly when can we meet tomorrow? She said 6! I said ok I will bring a friend for you to meet. Is your husband going to be home? She said no, he is leaving the country tomorrow. I said ok we will see you and your son tomorrow, have a good night. And that was it. I never felt the spirit that strong in my life. God touched her heart the time I was testifying to her soul that families are forever! What a huge miracle. After that I was shaken up and prayed to thank God for that miracle and wanted to know what member family can help this Mom in distress! At first I thought of the Bishop and started to call him but saw an awesome Gao family that is so good to us missionaries. I hung up before the Bishop answered and called the Gao family and told him what happened and he said he was willing to come over tonight at 6 with his wife! What a huge blessing, he even will sacrifice FHE with his family tonight to help us with this broken Mom. I am grateful I was brought up in a loving home where the spirit abided frequently. If I didn't have the gospel in my family who knows where we would be today! I know this church is the only true and living church on the face of this earth, and that families are ordained of God of this I testify today in the name of Jesus Christ AMEN!
May 23, 2010 - Baptism
This is the Sister's new little convert, Vic. He is 12 and he loves the gospel. Vic asked me too baptize him last Sunday. He got baptised last Saturday and received the Holy Ghost yesterday in Sacrament Meeting! If everybody could be like this humble kid!
May 17, 2010 - Letter - Apartment and Basketball
Hello My Beautiful Family,
Wow this week went super fast! That’s the best news I have heard in a while. Tell Nick I am proud of him but help him stay 3 hours.
Yesterday at church we had 5 investigators come, one stayed for 3 hours and sat next to me the whole time. I am super happy for him, he is progressing but he is scared to get baptized we will see what happens.
Thanks for the package. I will look forward to having deodorant, lol. Wow, ya I will be 22 soon. Sweet! Ya it doesn’t cost money to convert to Taiwanese.
WOW that’s so cool you went to the temple with everybody. Ya before I get on the plane I will be able to go through a session at Taipei hopefully I move up to Tai Zhong soon.
Who’s Bishop Lee? Tell Bishop Homer I said hi. The first thing I want to do after I get released is go to a session in the Reno Temple! Some missionaries go to movies right after. Me it will be different.
So for my b-day a CTR ring would be nice lol...some new EFY cd's would be nice and the newest MOTAB. Other than that you can just put some money into my card. A member is going to make me a scroll, kind of like the dragon one I sent home... I want to put Nephi 3:7 on it in Chinese, its way cheap because he will give me a discount, and I want to get a dragon chop. A chop is a stamp that the Chinese people take with them everywhere when they need to sign their signature. It’s 800 Taiwan. That’s all. And tell Max his present for me is the Lakers 2010 championship shirt!! haha if they lose send me a Western Conference finals shirt! If he can. Oh at the end of this move I am slow boating my heavy books home. It will take 3 months.
I love you, I will send you pics of my apt. now!
Love, Elder Christensen
Wow this week went super fast! That’s the best news I have heard in a while. Tell Nick I am proud of him but help him stay 3 hours.
Yesterday at church we had 5 investigators come, one stayed for 3 hours and sat next to me the whole time. I am super happy for him, he is progressing but he is scared to get baptized we will see what happens.
Thanks for the package. I will look forward to having deodorant, lol. Wow, ya I will be 22 soon. Sweet! Ya it doesn’t cost money to convert to Taiwanese.
WOW that’s so cool you went to the temple with everybody. Ya before I get on the plane I will be able to go through a session at Taipei hopefully I move up to Tai Zhong soon.
Who’s Bishop Lee? Tell Bishop Homer I said hi. The first thing I want to do after I get released is go to a session in the Reno Temple! Some missionaries go to movies right after. Me it will be different.
So for my b-day a CTR ring would be nice lol...some new EFY cd's would be nice and the newest MOTAB. Other than that you can just put some money into my card. A member is going to make me a scroll, kind of like the dragon one I sent home... I want to put Nephi 3:7 on it in Chinese, its way cheap because he will give me a discount, and I want to get a dragon chop. A chop is a stamp that the Chinese people take with them everywhere when they need to sign their signature. It’s 800 Taiwan. That’s all. And tell Max his present for me is the Lakers 2010 championship shirt!! haha if they lose send me a Western Conference finals shirt! If he can. Oh at the end of this move I am slow boating my heavy books home. It will take 3 months.
I love you, I will send you pics of my apt. now!
Love, Elder Christensen
"My companion thinks he is Michael Jordan!!"
"Playing ball nowdays wears me out"
"She could win a little girls beauty contest"
"That yellow owl you see by the Mom, Elder Williammee and I bought that for them, it says welcome, perfect for a restaurant"
May 10, 2010 - Mother's Day Call and a letter!
Hello My Beautiful Family!
Wow! What an awesome day. Right now I want to take this time and express my love for all of you that were able to talk to me today. I was so excited to get to talk to all of you! I think the happiest was when I got to talk to you Aunt Pammie! You faithfully write me me as often as you can and give me the best advice! But my Mommy beats you all! I get a letter from her every week. All of you REPENT! and send more letters..lol jk!!!
No but really. It was so amazing to hear Tanner's voice! I haven’t talked to Tanner in over 3 years. Hey by the way thanks for addressing me as Elder and not Ryan! ughhh I like Elder so much better. I bet you were the same..Wow I'm glad to hear everyone is doing good! Again, I can't believe Talia is getting married without me, and tanner and Max! Who's next guys? NICK? lol. Oh well you will definitely be there for mine..right Tal? Shaeley and Shira sounded so grown up I couldn’t believe it was actually them. Shira, I heard you miss me the most! If that’s true I will send a belated birthday present your way! Uncle Derek stay strong in your business, I know the Lord is waiting to bless you. Grandma, you are so funny you thought I wasn't in Taiwan! No I’m still here and can't wait to talk and catch up with you in November. Max, haha you were pretty shocked to talk to me..me too, I didn't have much to say sorry, but you know what I’m thinking...GO LAKERS!!! haha if its the Magic vs Lakers again let’s hope they can play against each other next year so we can watch it together! Nick, what can I say buddy! You are my best friend ever, make the Lord and I proud and get your bum to church and go to the temple before I get home! I would love to go to the temple with you and my family when I get back! I know you have been trying but everyone can do a little better and change. I'm still learning how to change every day. I hope when I talked to you, you didn't feel resentment towards me. I said all of that because I love you and want the best life for you! Lynsey, if you are reading this hi!!! Kind of a bummer I couldn’t talk to you but remember you are going to marry my best friend.
Have fun when you get married but when I get back we are going to hang out all the time! lol I want you to know that you are so lucky to marry a man like Max..he will treat you like Gold! Kind of like I treat my investigators.
Ok as much as I love you all, this letter is making me trunky so on to better things. Our investigators right now are awesome, but they have no desire to come to church and it makes me sad because they have a lot of potential to get baptized this move. They just need to stop and think what’s the purpose of life? Preparing to meet God or making money? I know it’s not money that’s for sure. Maybe they just need to understand the purpose of life so they will be willing to change! Even though we have taught that a billion times to them they just don't want to change. We might have to drop some of them and find some new Golden investigators that actually want to come to church. That’s my focus this week is to hit the streets. So since my time is almost up that’s where I’m going! I hope to contact every single soul out there. My goal this week is to really stop and talk to everyone! Maybe that can make a difference.
I love you all and am so grateful for your love and support and especially your prayers. They help me get through those tough days! Remember to send more of your love my way and I will be happy to return the favor!
I was also overjoyed to talk to you guys. Dad you gave me great advice that I will start to apply to my mission. I hate it when the card cuts us off like that. I hope everyone had a chance to talk and ask me their questions they wanted. If not don't worry I will send more letters next week. Mommy I hope your Mother’s Day was better than last year. For now I need some new socks and deodorant that’s it thank you! I can't believe that was my last call home. I am on the home stretch see you all at the finish line!!!!!!
Love, Elder Christensen!
Wow! What an awesome day. Right now I want to take this time and express my love for all of you that were able to talk to me today. I was so excited to get to talk to all of you! I think the happiest was when I got to talk to you Aunt Pammie! You faithfully write me me as often as you can and give me the best advice! But my Mommy beats you all! I get a letter from her every week. All of you REPENT! and send more letters..lol jk!!!
No but really. It was so amazing to hear Tanner's voice! I haven’t talked to Tanner in over 3 years. Hey by the way thanks for addressing me as Elder and not Ryan! ughhh I like Elder so much better. I bet you were the same..Wow I'm glad to hear everyone is doing good! Again, I can't believe Talia is getting married without me, and tanner and Max! Who's next guys? NICK? lol. Oh well you will definitely be there for mine..right Tal? Shaeley and Shira sounded so grown up I couldn’t believe it was actually them. Shira, I heard you miss me the most! If that’s true I will send a belated birthday present your way! Uncle Derek stay strong in your business, I know the Lord is waiting to bless you. Grandma, you are so funny you thought I wasn't in Taiwan! No I’m still here and can't wait to talk and catch up with you in November. Max, haha you were pretty shocked to talk to me..me too, I didn't have much to say sorry, but you know what I’m thinking...GO LAKERS!!! haha if its the Magic vs Lakers again let’s hope they can play against each other next year so we can watch it together! Nick, what can I say buddy! You are my best friend ever, make the Lord and I proud and get your bum to church and go to the temple before I get home! I would love to go to the temple with you and my family when I get back! I know you have been trying but everyone can do a little better and change. I'm still learning how to change every day. I hope when I talked to you, you didn't feel resentment towards me. I said all of that because I love you and want the best life for you! Lynsey, if you are reading this hi!!! Kind of a bummer I couldn’t talk to you but remember you are going to marry my best friend.
Have fun when you get married but when I get back we are going to hang out all the time! lol I want you to know that you are so lucky to marry a man like Max..he will treat you like Gold! Kind of like I treat my investigators.
Ok as much as I love you all, this letter is making me trunky so on to better things. Our investigators right now are awesome, but they have no desire to come to church and it makes me sad because they have a lot of potential to get baptized this move. They just need to stop and think what’s the purpose of life? Preparing to meet God or making money? I know it’s not money that’s for sure. Maybe they just need to understand the purpose of life so they will be willing to change! Even though we have taught that a billion times to them they just don't want to change. We might have to drop some of them and find some new Golden investigators that actually want to come to church. That’s my focus this week is to hit the streets. So since my time is almost up that’s where I’m going! I hope to contact every single soul out there. My goal this week is to really stop and talk to everyone! Maybe that can make a difference.
I love you all and am so grateful for your love and support and especially your prayers. They help me get through those tough days! Remember to send more of your love my way and I will be happy to return the favor!
I was also overjoyed to talk to you guys. Dad you gave me great advice that I will start to apply to my mission. I hate it when the card cuts us off like that. I hope everyone had a chance to talk and ask me their questions they wanted. If not don't worry I will send more letters next week. Mommy I hope your Mother’s Day was better than last year. For now I need some new socks and deodorant that’s it thank you! I can't believe that was my last call home. I am on the home stretch see you all at the finish line!!!!!!
Love, Elder Christensen!
May 3, 2010 - Sprained Ankle and Pizza Hut
Hello My Beautiful Family!!
How is everyone? I am doing really good except for the fact I hurt my ankle this morning playing basketball. I tripped over an Elders feet and then fell forward on the ball and rolled my ankle pretty good! I went with some local Taiwanese Elders to a clinic to check my ankle. At first I thought I just twisted it really bad but the more and more it hurt. Elder Li taught me a new word he said, you hurt your ren dai! Haha which I had no idea what he said but asked the other Elders, they didn’t know either so he explained the ren dai is the soft tissue connected to the bone. I guessed ligament and later on at the clinic our member in the 4th ward I’m in the 3rd ward checked me!
Ya serving in a big ward is nice, the city is so crazy though. Anyways Brother Chen said that I sprained my ligament in my ankle. I have never done that before. Reminds me of when Max sprained his ankle playing ball, it really hurt but not as bad as me right now! I’m fine, I can walk and stuff but it will only take a week so hopefully I will be ok! Chen wrapped it up and said in the morning don’t run but do some ankle flexes to get the water out so I need to be careful this doesn’t swell up! Man the life of a missionary is full of surprises! I was playing good too before I rolled it! Haha this is for Uncle Derek and Aunt Michelle in Utah...GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!! Haha I heard the jazz lost today!!! I can’t wait to watch Kobe again man! You guys better root for my Lakers! Tell max I said that Kobe vs. Lebron...Kobe will win!
So the work is moving forth really nice here in Tainan we only got 3 people to church on Sunday but that’s ok because all of them are really good, I hope to get them baptized! We want 7 this move call. If we can pull it off it will be me and my companion Elder Yu's personal record.
So ya I can’t wait for Sunday night, but would Sunday morning be better? That’s Saturday night your time. Hopefully you can get everyone together.
Picture time...I love you bye bye!
Elder Christensen
"Pizza Hut all you can eat!!! Today I ate 11 and a half, beating all the missionaries who competed with me!"
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