Hello My Beautiful Family,
Wow, what a day. Today we went hiking in the mountains with my District and some members jia ming and wei ru. It was really fun but now I am really tired. At the top it was super pretty. A lot of fog though kind of hard to see in the pic. Sorry, I hope you are sound asleep and not up waiting for me. If you are tell me how much you love me! lol. I have a good letter for the blog!
Let me paint a miracle.
Last Friday during our weekly planning session we were tidying up a few things in the office. We went through our area book which looked a little dismal, because we're in a new area. For some reason we started organizing all the Liahona's into piles, and lo and behold we find a stack of old records that had been there for who knows how long. So we spent the rest of the day calling through them all, and we ended up adding about 7 week C's, which looks amazing on the numbers. I'm sure there are many more miracles to come from that little find but I want to focus on one specifically. Her name is dong. We rode out to meet with her on Saturday morning. During the meeting we found out her whole history, and taught her faith out of Ether 12. Basically, around 4 years ago she was progressing in the gospel really well, she even passed a baptismal interview! But before her baptism her parents died, and she lost a lot of faith, and has been depressed ever since. I asked her where her faith was now and she said it was less and less. Anyway, the discussion went alright, but she didn't commit to church or anything so I wasn't too excited about it. But then the next day, Sunday, she came to church. She told us that she felt like riding her bike so she rode about 20 minutes or so just to come to church. Keep in mind that she is a 50 year old lady, with severe depression, who rarely sleeps, riding twenty minutes in the hot sun to come to church, miracle. She agreed with us the day before that if she could feel the spirit again like how she had before, that she would get baptized. We said the way to do that is to come to church. But it gets deeper. 4 years ago she became really good friends with a member at church. This member, sun jie mei, went less active, and hadn't been to church in 4 years. I had never met her until yesterday. But by some coincidence dong's best friend sun, who hadn't been to church in YEARS, came back to church on the same day she did just by a feeling that she NEEDED to come to church. they were so excited to see each other, almost not believing that it happened the way that it did, and they set up a dinner appointment with us for that night at 7 at sun's house. So the time comes and we ride over to her house with the Branch President. We conversed while eating dinner, and then put in the finding faith in Christ video. Everyone was still talking for a minute or two but all of a sudden (actually as Jesus calmed the seas) everyone was completely focused on the movie, including the 19 year old son who's a little huai. It was amazing with complete silence for 30 minutes. After wards the spirit was so strong in the room, the movie ended and we kept it silent for about a minute not saying anything. Then my companion and I broke out testifying. We testified of Christ, using the scriptures and through the power of the spirit, we had the whole room in tears. Sun Jie mei broke out, and through her tears said that she had been a bad mother, and hadn't raised her kids in the church as she should have, and that she'd been a bad wife. She wanted to repent, she had the "mighty change of heart". I’ve never seen a person in so much torment. We testified that she could change. She agree to come to church, read and pray as a family, before we even finished EXTENDING the commitment. After wards I couldn't believe what had happened. dong jie mei said that she felt it, and wanted to get baptized. Why are we so blessed with such good investigators. Why have I seen so many miracles here? I can't help but lose a tear or two just in writing this. I can't explain this in words.
As an update our Filipinos are getting their priesthood interviews tonight. Jimmy, JR, and Nido brought a bunch of their friends to church yesterday. 9 in total. Things are coming a long great. Jimmy gave an outstanding talk on Sunday about his baptism, and about his conversion, and it made me cry. He spoke with the power of the spirit and did a great job. I translated for him and several members came up to me afterwards telling me about how moved they were by his talk. Jimmy is either at work, or reading his scriptures. He sometimes calls me and asks me where a verse is in the bible or book of Mormon. He’s amazing. I thought he couldn't be beat. Until Aladdin opens his mouth to talk in a lesson yesterday. Jimmy asked if the commandments could be found in the book of Mormon, and as I was about to say Mosiah 13, Aladdin beat me to the punch. I was shocked. Aladdin has come to church off and on (twice now for sacrament), but he always has an earphone in, and never says much. But now he is unfolding the scriptures to his friends, and he's not even BAPTIZED! Amazing. Jimmy wants to share the gospel these days with everyone. He's called his parents and told them to go to church, and he always helps us teach his friends. I'm getting him a tagalog preach my gospel to study.
Also, our investigator Chen jing yan, didn't come to church. But he brought all the members a good vegetarian lunch which was delicious!
Love, Elder Christensen
Mission Dates
December 10, 2008 - December 10, 2010
October 18, 2010 - President Bishop's Letter
Dear Elders and Sisters,
I have not written for 2 weeks. I will not have a letter every week, but from time to time I will continue to send a general email to all missionaries. During the past 2 weeks, I have spent time with the Stake Presidents, new missionaries, departing missionaries, zone leaders, and regular companionships. Again I am impressed with how hard you work and how good you are.
I have a couple of requests for you as well as some clarifications:
At my request, Elder Porter made a visit to all missionary apartments. In general the apartments were in good condition. While most were clean, some apartments did have clutter and left over stuff from missionaries who had long since been transferred. There were some leaky plumbing fixtures, lights that needed replacement etc. Please follow up on any assignments that were made by Elder Porter.
The stake presidents have requested that we keep missionary stuff in the closet designated for missionaries. If the chapel does not have such a closet, you might check with the bishop or branch president to see if you can get storage designated for missionaries. In any case, please do not leave your things strewn around the church.
We still have some questions about confirmations. Both Preach My Gospel and the General Handbook of Instructions state that confirmations should be done at Sacrament meeting. When there is a Stake or General Conference this may delay the confirmation. If the Bishop wishes to do it at another time, such as at the baptismal service, it is his prerogative to do so. We should not encourage the confirmation to be done other than in sacrament meeting. Also, a member of the bishopric participates in the confirmation(stands in the circle), and may, but does not need to, perform the actual ordinance. All confirmations are under the direction of the Bishop. I have neither the right, the inclination, nor the authority to interfere with how the Bishop wishes to conduct confirmations.
There have been questions and some discussions about investigators partaking of the sacrament. General Handbook of Instructions says the following:
“Although the sacrament is for Church members, the bishopric should not announce that it will be passed to members only, and nothing should be done to prevent nonmembers from partaking of it.”
Because of this clear statement in the Handbook, I need to retract what I said a few weeks ago in Gaoxiong. We should teach the significance of the sacrament and why partaking of the sacrament is special to us as members. We should not in any way discourage investigators from partaking of it.
Thank you for your hard work. Elders, thank you or polishing your shoes. Everywhere I go I see shined shoes and smiling faces. You look as good as the message you bring. I look forward to seeing all of you and having interviews with each of you in the coming weeks. I remind you that we are now setting goals and making plans on a month to month basis rather than a 6 week transfer cycle.
Faithfully, your brother,
President Clark Bishop
I have not written for 2 weeks. I will not have a letter every week, but from time to time I will continue to send a general email to all missionaries. During the past 2 weeks, I have spent time with the Stake Presidents, new missionaries, departing missionaries, zone leaders, and regular companionships. Again I am impressed with how hard you work and how good you are.
I have a couple of requests for you as well as some clarifications:
At my request, Elder Porter made a visit to all missionary apartments. In general the apartments were in good condition. While most were clean, some apartments did have clutter and left over stuff from missionaries who had long since been transferred. There were some leaky plumbing fixtures, lights that needed replacement etc. Please follow up on any assignments that were made by Elder Porter.
The stake presidents have requested that we keep missionary stuff in the closet designated for missionaries. If the chapel does not have such a closet, you might check with the bishop or branch president to see if you can get storage designated for missionaries. In any case, please do not leave your things strewn around the church.
We still have some questions about confirmations. Both Preach My Gospel and the General Handbook of Instructions state that confirmations should be done at Sacrament meeting. When there is a Stake or General Conference this may delay the confirmation. If the Bishop wishes to do it at another time, such as at the baptismal service, it is his prerogative to do so. We should not encourage the confirmation to be done other than in sacrament meeting. Also, a member of the bishopric participates in the confirmation(stands in the circle), and may, but does not need to, perform the actual ordinance. All confirmations are under the direction of the Bishop. I have neither the right, the inclination, nor the authority to interfere with how the Bishop wishes to conduct confirmations.
There have been questions and some discussions about investigators partaking of the sacrament. General Handbook of Instructions says the following:
“Although the sacrament is for Church members, the bishopric should not announce that it will be passed to members only, and nothing should be done to prevent nonmembers from partaking of it.”
Because of this clear statement in the Handbook, I need to retract what I said a few weeks ago in Gaoxiong. We should teach the significance of the sacrament and why partaking of the sacrament is special to us as members. We should not in any way discourage investigators from partaking of it.
Thank you for your hard work. Elders, thank you or polishing your shoes. Everywhere I go I see shined shoes and smiling faces. You look as good as the message you bring. I look forward to seeing all of you and having interviews with each of you in the coming weeks. I remind you that we are now setting goals and making plans on a month to month basis rather than a 6 week transfer cycle.
Faithfully, your brother,
President Clark Bishop
October 3, 2010 - President Bishop's Letter
Dear Elders and Sisters,
We enjoyed visiting with many of you for the Fundamentals from Preach My Gospel: Teaching More Effectively. These eight lessons are not secret. They are not really new, since all of the content comes directly from the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. Each of you should have a copy. These lessons should help all of you improve upon the great teaching skills you already have. Please study these lessons and use the principles as you teach. Practice them with your companions and others in your zone and district. Also, continue to study the rest of Preach My Gospel, especially chapter 3 as you prepare to teach investigators.
This weekend we will be able to attend conference. Please encourage all members and investigators to enjoy a conference weekend, attending all 4 or 5 of the two hour sessions. Conference is a spiritual outpouring that is the culmination of months of prayer, practice, and searching by those chosen by God to lead us today. Go to conference with questions. Take notes. Encourage those you teach to do the same. Conference is a great time of revelation and we can participate and receive our own revelation by being fully engaged.
Starting last month, we asked all missionaries to set goals and make plans on a month to month rather than based upon move call. We encourage you to plan for October and think of goals and plans in terms of this month. You will also begin receiving mission calendars for the month, instead of for the move call. This is a change that the Missionary Department has asked all missions to do.
There have been questions and some discussions about investigators partaking of the sacrament. General Handbook of Instructions says the following:
“Although the sacrament is for Church members, the bishopric should not announce that it will be passed to members only, and nothing should be done to prevent nonmembers from partaking of it.”
Because of this quote, I need to retract what I said last week in Gaoxiong. We should teach the significance of the sacrament and why partaking of the sacrament is special to us as members. We should not in any way discourage investigators from partaking of it.
A few weeks ago in my letter, I asked the Elders to shine their shoes each week. As I visit the mission, I still see many shoes which are scruffy. Elders, please shine your shoes today, and every Saturday thereafter. Put a note in your planner to remind you. This will present a professional image worthy of the Savior whom we represent. Also, our reverence and punctuality at sacrament meeting can improve. Please refer to pages 17-18 of the Missionary Handbook and pages 3-4 of the Taichung Mission rules regarding church attendance. Please read those sections again today and be a great example of how to attend church.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve with you. As I make suggestions, I hope you know it is out of love and my desire for you to be great missionaries. I want you to live up to the great potential you have. I love you and pray for you always.
President Bishop
We enjoyed visiting with many of you for the Fundamentals from Preach My Gospel: Teaching More Effectively. These eight lessons are not secret. They are not really new, since all of the content comes directly from the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. Each of you should have a copy. These lessons should help all of you improve upon the great teaching skills you already have. Please study these lessons and use the principles as you teach. Practice them with your companions and others in your zone and district. Also, continue to study the rest of Preach My Gospel, especially chapter 3 as you prepare to teach investigators.
This weekend we will be able to attend conference. Please encourage all members and investigators to enjoy a conference weekend, attending all 4 or 5 of the two hour sessions. Conference is a spiritual outpouring that is the culmination of months of prayer, practice, and searching by those chosen by God to lead us today. Go to conference with questions. Take notes. Encourage those you teach to do the same. Conference is a great time of revelation and we can participate and receive our own revelation by being fully engaged.
Starting last month, we asked all missionaries to set goals and make plans on a month to month rather than based upon move call. We encourage you to plan for October and think of goals and plans in terms of this month. You will also begin receiving mission calendars for the month, instead of for the move call. This is a change that the Missionary Department has asked all missions to do.
There have been questions and some discussions about investigators partaking of the sacrament. General Handbook of Instructions says the following:
“Although the sacrament is for Church members, the bishopric should not announce that it will be passed to members only, and nothing should be done to prevent nonmembers from partaking of it.”
Because of this quote, I need to retract what I said last week in Gaoxiong. We should teach the significance of the sacrament and why partaking of the sacrament is special to us as members. We should not in any way discourage investigators from partaking of it.
A few weeks ago in my letter, I asked the Elders to shine their shoes each week. As I visit the mission, I still see many shoes which are scruffy. Elders, please shine your shoes today, and every Saturday thereafter. Put a note in your planner to remind you. This will present a professional image worthy of the Savior whom we represent. Also, our reverence and punctuality at sacrament meeting can improve. Please refer to pages 17-18 of the Missionary Handbook and pages 3-4 of the Taichung Mission rules regarding church attendance. Please read those sections again today and be a great example of how to attend church.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve with you. As I make suggestions, I hope you know it is out of love and my desire for you to be great missionaries. I want you to live up to the great potential you have. I love you and pray for you always.
President Bishop
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