happy chu seok!

Hello hello dearest everyone,

 

Thank you for your words of encouragement and updates! Kimberslee, I got your DearElder yesterday. Thank you for that. You are a gem.

 

Oh boy, so what has been happening. On Wednesday Elder Ringwood came to our zone for mission tour along with President and Sister Gilbert. He talked about "particles of faith" as described in Alma 32:26-28. From this verse and a few others on faith we learn that desire, belief, hope, and ACTION are all the main elements of faith. He talked about how we don't know who is ready to hear the gospel so we need to invite everyone with the expectation that miracles are happening, but that we need to go forward in faith without the need to see those miracles. They are so often happening behind us. I had studied about miracles earlier this week and in the Bible Dictionary it says that the greatest miracle is the atonement/ressurection of Jesus Christ and if this be admitted then all other miracles cease to be improbable!

 

I thought about a recent convert we have here in the Sang In Ward. Her name is Kim Jeong Yoon and she is about 21 years old. Her friend, who likes to talk to foreigners, was on the subway and met some missionaries. They arranged a time to meet together again, and Kim Jeong Yoon's friend, being a little nervous about the situation, later invited Kim Jeong Yoon along as well. Kim Jeong Yoon's friend ended up not being interested in the gospel, but Kim Jeong Yoon was soon baptized and completely turned her life around. This week over a bowl of Halloween Wizard ice cream (mint, fudge, and pop rocks...only in Korea), she told me that a lot of her friends don't understand her, but she doesn't care. She has helped us have two potential investigators in her sister and another friend--a sign of true conversion, I think. She is going to study English at BYU in December. I know there are other Kim Jeong Yoon's out there. They might not be the person on the subway, but they might be that person's friend.

 

I have lacked the action part of faith to really contact people "as much as I can," as I am instructed in Preach My Gospel. While jump roping the other morning (my calves are going to be monsters by the end of 15 months), we were listening to "Come Come Ye Saints." The line that caught my attention was "fresh courage take." That has been my effort the past few days, even in the very moment. It is not my job to judge whether someone will or will not accept the gospel, but to be a great inviter.

 

I will admit it is hard because every day I engage in very awkward conversations (at least for other people). Unfortunately at this point I am kind of like a billboard with sem-interactive capabilities. I can spew my message (hopefully accurately convey my sincerity), ask a few questions and hope to understand, but that's about it. It probably seems very stiff to others. I am learning not to focus on what I can't do, because it's not about me at all.

As a companionship we have some differences. I have what some might call greenie fire. I want to, or at least feel it is my duty, to talk to everyone. I don't really know how. Sister Oaks is not a fan of the awkwardness that sometimes comes with this work. I have a feeling the awkwardness becomes more perceptible the more you learn the language. It turns out missions are hard and some days my desire for diligence (though not always carried out as well as I wish it were) may have others deeming me an "emotionless robot," at least in their hearts. Shout out to you, Robert. You're not the only one! But, I am learning to laugh more, make mistakes and hopefully keep my ego out of this business.

 

We are not currently teaching anyone on a regular basis. Koreans have the uncanny ability to keep themselves busier than any other culture I have seen. School, all the time. If it's not school, it's work and very regimented play schedules. President Gilbert has challenged us to strive to get three contacts per day. I know we can do it. We have had some success as we have put forth the effort. If he asks us to do it, there is a way.

 

I know this work is God's work and that Jesus Christ is my Savior.

 

Chu Seok, sort of like Korean Thanksgiving (Harvest celebration), is today and tomorrow. Tomorrow the entire Busan Mission will travel to Busan for some festivities with the Gilberts. I think it will be a lot of fun. It will be nice to see everyone from the MTC in a central location. Yahoo!

 

Mom: Sounds like you're doing great. Thanks for the letter. Other languages are so hard, aren't they? The good news is that our sincerity communicates much more than our words. Keep after it. I know you will and are. I'm so impressed by your willingness to use your talents! Love you.

 

Dad: Thanks for the letter. I actually read that scripture about "the elect," this morning. I love it as well. Those who are willing to open their hearts and hear will receive truth. Such a cool concept. Sounds like you are busy, as usual. Elder Ringwood spoke highly of you and Mom. Thanks for your consistent effort to stay in touch! Love you!

 

Char: The bullet points were more coherent than you think. Thank you! Glad to hear you're okay. Can't say I'm all to surpirsed about the passports. My ministerial certificate is MIA somewhere in Korea, but I still have my passport, luckily. Hope Calgary is good. Love to love.

 

Ladi: Thank you for your letter. Much of it is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I may be picking your brain more soon about some of the things you said. Unity is important and we're striving for it here. Minnie is as cute as can be. Love you so!

 

Bobby: Looking good on that lap top in the pic Ladi sent. Hope school etc is going well! From one wet blanket to another, keep it up!

 

Nick and Megan: Hope you are doing well and you have ventured in the multi level marketing scheme once again. Go Go Go Go!

 

Love Love Love.

 

Julia