Week 87 - Miracles happen everyday!

大家好!

This week was AMAZING. Literally, in everything that happened this week, it just worked perfectly. And there were things that just happened that we didn't even expect to happen, but was such a big blessing. So, this week, was really just full of blessings and miracles.

So starting off, we have the coolest pool of investigators. After weeks of finding, we have the best pool of investigators ever on my mission. With that being said, we still have to do lots more finding, but there are a ton of amazing stories to share this week.

The first is about 將勝洋 (John), who about 3 weeks ago sent a text saying that his grandma would not allow him to get baptized but that when he is able to sign the baptismal sheet himself, he will get baptized. And from that point on, we were not able to get a hold of him. We had members call and text, nothing. And then yesterday, we felt like we should go to his work. We didn't know his work schedule, but we knew he worked up at a subway by one of the colleges, so that was when the search started. After biking around and asking for a little bit of help. We talked for a minute to see what we should say when we went in, and then walked in. I don't think I have ever seen someone smile so big at us. It was such a relief to see him and then he said, "Why didn't you guys called me or come sooner?" So, we will be meeting again with him later this week, but he is doing amazing and our ward mission leader, who is the best, will be helping him with solving his grandma's concerns.

The second is with 丁恩豪 (Brother Ding), who Elder McNeil and I met our first week together. You should have a photo of him when we were on the street 6 weeks ago. He has been super 還好 (whatever attitude) until this week when we met with him after church. Our ward mission leader, 王為祥 (Brother Wang), took him aside during church and chatted with him. We don't know what was said, but all we know is that when we met with him again after church, he was a changed man. He turned from being someone that we were going to drop to someone who is very likely going to be getting baptized as soon as he comes to church two more times.

The third was a miracle and also a blessing. 王為祥 (Brother Wang) again helped us out with one of our new investigators, 楊任豐 (Brother Yang), who has a two year old daughter and is married. We haven't been able to meet with him because his work is super busy, but when we met, a very similar thing happened as with 丁恩豪 (Brother Ding), but this time we got to hear what he said. He talked using comparisons with our investigators work and their life, which just blew us two away. He said a few things that made us feel a little uncomfortable because of how bold it was at times, but after all of the talking, 楊任豐 (Brother Yang) completely opened up with ALL of his problems. Remember this was our second time actually meeting with him, and we covered temple work, word of wisdom, 10 commandments everything, and all of his concerns were gone. It was one of the biggest miracles. Both Elder McNeil and I walked out of that lesson big eyed. And that was the blessing, he turned into a solid investigator. The blessing too was that he brought a friend with him! Referrals are the best!

The third was another blessing, from the beginning of the week. We met 顧仁崴 (Brother Gu, 15) who moved to Taipei a year ago, but had not been able to find a church that he liked to go to. And also had not been baptized yet. So, we were able to meet with him and he brought a friend who was also super interested! It was one another one of those blessings of knowing that God has a plan. As a side not, this miracle and the third were within the space of 3 hours. This one was first, so when we walked into meeting with 楊任豐 (Brother Yang), we were already in amazement.

And I will save the biggest and best miracle for at the end.

Two of the other big things from the week was actually the English party and a huge service project. For the English class, we decided to act out the first vision for everyone, switching between Chinese and English. The class absolutely loved it and it made for the perfect environment to share the gospel. So, that was a fun activity that Elder McNeil and I were able to put on. And for the huge service project, it was setting up tables and chairs outside of the President's house (Taiwan's version of the white house) that is for a huge activity for Chinese New Year. Beyond that, they didn't tell us too much about what the service was for, but it was really fun.

Also, just kind of for the rest of the week, we just had a ton of finding miracles and blessings.

As for the last miracle we wanted to share was about 陳弘傑 (Jeff) who was a potential from 3 or 4 weeks ago that we were finally able to set up. As a little bit about our missionary style here, we invite everyone to baptism. When we are contacting or anything, within the first minute we try to use the word baptism so it is on their mind and then within the first 5 to 8 minute actually invite them to baptism, and it has been a huge miracle. And for 陳弘傑 (Jeff), it was the exact same a few weeks ago, so when he finally set up and we were calling Monday night to make sure it was ok to still meet the next day, he told us, "I am willing to meet, but I am not going to get baptized." Elder McNeil and I looked puzzled for a minute and both said, "Tomorrow's lesson should be interesting." We prepared for the lesson, got there that night and he was early which surprised us. Don't know why but it did. And then we did a little tour of the church and then went into a lesson. It had to be one of the most spiritual lessons I have had in a long time. He turned from someone who was determined not to do anything, to someone who was looking for a change in his life. We shared the restoration and then even re-invited him to baptism and he accepted! And we set up again for later in the week which 王為祥 (Brother Wang) helped us out with and we had the best lesson ever. Sadly he told us he would be going to Australia for vacation for 3 weeks, but we have gotten permission from President Jergensen and will be using Skype to continue to meet with him!

So, to say it again, this week was just AMAZING and a fantastic way to finish up the transfer and begin the next one. Hope that all of you have had an amazing week as well and thank you so much for all the emails!

我愛你們,

Love you,

柯長老

Elder Okeson

Our District

Week 86 - COLD

大家好!

So, thinking back to a year ago, I don't think it got even close to how cold it was the end of this last week. Elder McNeil and I were wearing everything possible, and we were still freezing, but it was quite the experience. We were cold, shivering, and it even snowed, but we were still out finding, and there were so many miracles from it too.

So, just to share a little about the second half of the week, when it was really COLD, Elder McNeil and I were literally wearing every peace of clothing that we had that we could to stay warm whiling finding, but it just didn't seem to work. The rain on Saturday and the winds on Sunday really tested our will power, but what it really did was test our fingers. One thing we always try to do is get people's phone numbers so we can call them later, but it was the hardest thing to type someone's phone and name when your thumbs are frozen. At the end of the night though, we all got a kick out of it and we actually were able to contact way more people than we thought we would be able to.

The biggest miracle we had was Sunday after church. All of our appointments cancelled because they said it was too cold, and so it left us to finding. We ran back to our area and started with a fervent prayer that we would be able to stay warm and find those who are prepared and who live in our area. As nice as it would be to say the first person we talked to was prepared, we spent the first half an hour getting rejected right and left. But then the miracle came. The first person who actually stopped to talk to use was that one we had prayed for. And then the next person we talked to as well, and the one after that. We were rejected a by a ton of people, but we were blessed with three new investigators that all lived in our area. We ended the finding with a prayer of thanks and were just so grateful for the mercy of God. Even though it was hard, and the day before we couldn't find anyone in the cold rain, we truly were thankful for God hearing and answer such a simple prayer to help us find the prepared.

Now that I am looking back at the week as well, it really just looks like we had a ton of finding, but it was really cool. We saw that trails bring blessings and that blessings bring happiness, and that was this last week. We were happy. Things didn't always turn out the way that we wanted them to, but we were able to fulfill our purpose as missionaries, of inviting people to come unto Christ.

As for one of my favorite contacts from the week, was actually meeting 尤虹叡 (Brother You) while finding on Tuesday. Something about Tuesday, we were meeting everyone that had perfect English. For example, while English boarding, we saw an eight year old and ran up to him to give him a free English track. He looked at it, looked back at me and said "No thanks, I should be ok." He took me completely by surprise, and he took my companion completely by surprise as well. He then went on to say in their respected languages "I speak Taiwanese, I speak Chinese, I speak English." Elder McNeil and I were just blown away as his accent and everything was absolutely perfect too. But that is another story for another time. But back to 尤虹叡 (Brother You), he had lived in the States for 5 years and has perfect English and just got married a year ago. We shared the blessings of the gospel and how it strengthens families and it just blew him away, which was really cool. We set up a time to meet with him this coming week and he said he would have his wife come as well, which was a huge miracle as well.

Well, that was pretty much my week. Hope you all have a great week! Thanks for all the prayers and emails!

我愛你們,

Love you,

柯長老

Elder Okeson

P.S. Last week, I mentioned that our recent converts should be going to the temple this last week, but because of the weather, they wanted to delay it two weeks, so we will be able to take them to the temple here in two weeks.

P.S.S. Because of technical difficulties, we were not able to see the broadcast last week, but should be watching it tomorrow or the day after, which we are all super excited about.

Week 85 - Teaching Repentance and Baptizing Converts!

大家好!

This has been such a fantastic week. We were able to find so much success, but we were also very humbled in the ways that we were doing missionary work. And looking back at the week, we really both felt like we have grown in so many ways.

The biggest miracle/blessing/humbling experience we had this week was listening to the guidance of our mission leaders in how we find. The reason being, we took there invites and used it in every aspect of the work, which meant there were a few things we had to change. Which was inviting people to baptism at the beginning of contacts instead of holding back. Which meant we had a lot of rejection, a lot more that I am use to, but so much more success at the same time. And looking back at the week, I cannot think of a single thing I would want to change. We saw that as we were doing everything we could in our power to invite people to baptism, the Lord really did prepare those people that were ready to listen and learn.

One of the other big things from the week was also learning to drop investigators. That is one thing that we took a leap of faith with and we saw even more blessings from it. Over the last week, we have dropped at least half of our investigators, which to be really honest, was pretty scary. We felt that it was right, but just the aspect of telling them you are no longer going to be meeting with them, was very scary. But because of it, I can say that it was inspired. Over the week, we were able to find double the number of new investigators than we usually would in a week, and they all set a date with us on the street, which was super cool. We just felt like it was all inspired. We were truly grateful for the inspiration from our leaders and also of the spirit during this last week.

So, for the biggest part of the week, it was finding. We are finding machines, but not quite machines. Elder McNeil and I were really wanting to work on no repetition in finding, for example how we say things, and it was a challenge. I guess after being a missionary for a little while, you do get caught every now and then saying the same things, especially when you are finding. So, it really mixed things up during the week and we were able to find so many people.

As for a miracle from the week, it had to just finding a bunch of new people to teach.

As for just a little bit about the week, it was a ton of finding. We have been working on when we have lessons to set up two investigators at the same time and going on splits with a member to increase the amount of time we have outside finding, which was pretty fun. Our ward mission leader loves it because he is really big into finding new prepared people to teach. Also, we have been working with our recent converts and we should be able to take 賴弟兄 (Brother Lai), 賴姊妹 (Sister Lai) and Thomson all to the temple this week, which should be super fun. They were able to do some family history this last week and will be able to take some names with them to the temple this week!

So over all, this week was seriously such a blast, and we are really looking forward for this next week. Thank you for all the prayers and emails! Hope you have a great week!

我愛你們,

Love you,

柯長老

Elder Okeson

P.S. So excited for this Thursday. There is a world wide missionary training that will be sharing about "teaching repentance and baptizing converts, PMG, doctrine of Christ, being completely converted, etc." That is what President Jergensen has told us so far, so we are all so excited.

Week 84 - Finding :D

大家好!

Well, this has been a very busy week to say the least. Not because of meetings or anything, but because of exchanges and lots of finding. With the changes in exchanges, we now get both companions in our area for the 24 hours and it is just such a blast. And for this week, we had two exchanges, so things were just super crazy.

As I said, for this week, I just had lots of finding. When we went on exchanges, my companion would take the set ups and I would go out finding. The biggest things to share is about some of the miracles as we found this week.

One of the biggest miracles we saw was actually finding outside of our area. For a little bit of background, it all started on exchanges this week with Elder Hansen. He asked me how do we find new investigators, and just to be funny but also kind of realistic, I said "Go finding in someone else's area." We kick out of the comment, and then we chatted for a few minutes about the purpose of finding, and that seemed to answer a few of his questions. The reason it was kind of funny though was because no matter where you are in Taipei, you will always find people that live outside of where you are currently finding. And to make things even better, the first person we talk to on the exchange, lived in Elder Hansen's area and became a new investigator for them. So, that is kind of the back ground of this miracle. On Saturday night, we decided to go do a small tsunami with a few other missionaries in the district to help out a struggling companionship. We prayed where to go and pick one of the most down town place possible in their area. We arrived 10 minutes before everyone was suppose to get there and decided to explore it a little to give the other missionaries an idea of the surrounding area, and as we were biking, both my companion and I were inspired to talk to two people. The first one, of course lived in our area and we will be meeting with him this week, and the other was one for the companionship that has been struggling to find new investigators. Elder McNeil and I really thought it was so cool, that as we follow the spirit, even with only 10 minutes, you area able to find such great people to meet with. And also, as you go with the purpose to help/bless others, God will always watch out and bless you as well.

Another miracles we saw this week was also from finding to the very last minute. I know I have mentioned this before in previous emails, but the coolest people are the ones you meet just as your finding time is coming to a close. Multiple times this week, we have talked with people and get rejected so much, but it is always that last contact that you meet the one you were suppose to find. One of the coolest ones was Jerry, who was actually a stop light contact. We just turned to him and started to chat with him and he had said he was interested in attending church. After a day of a lot of rejecting, it really was so nice to just find that one, that one who was ready to listen and learn. I really have seen it on my mission that as we push to end, we will always find success. It may be hard, but it is totally worth it.

One of the big things from the week though was actually zone meeting, which went pretty well. It was really interesting sharing the new vision with everyone, but we are super excited to she the changes that are being made and also seeing people have more time in their area which is super cool.

Just some thoughts we have had recently with finding, actually has to do with being bold. We have really found as we have been finding, being bold and inviting people to baptism, we are getting rejected way more than we use to. But the cool thing is that though who actually accept are the ones who are continuing to meet with us and area also progressing, which is super cool. So most of our investigators are on date and we are looking forward to a lot of people preparing to be baptized in February. 

So, that was just a little bit from the week. We did a lot of finding in the warm, cold, dry and wet, and it was such a blast. Thank you for all the prayers and emails!

我愛你們,

Love you,

柯長老

Elder Okeson

Week 83 - Happy New Years

大家好!

This has been such a full week. To be realistic too, it feels like I was just emailing yesterday and so thinking about what has happened since yesterday is turning out to be a challenge. But I was able to think of a few things.

As for the highlight of the week, 張瑤誼姐妹 (Sister Zhang) and 黃全瑋弟兄 (Thomson) both got baptized this week, which was super exciting. 張瑤誼姐妹 (Sister Zhang) got baptized on Friday after MLC and it was such a good baptismal service. There wasn't a ton of people who attended, but it such a great spirit in the room. As for my favorite part was having a member introduce her to everyone attending, and that person was her husband. It was really great for them all to have been baptized and on sunday, to make it even better, 張瑤誼姐妹 (Sister Zhang)'s husband had his interview for the temple and for the priesthood and so did 張瑤誼姐妹 (Sister Zhang), but just for the temple. They should both be going to the temple here soon which will be such a blast.  As for Sophie, she has to wait til June 9th, but she is already asking when she can have an interview with the bishop to go into the temple!  They really are such an amazing family. And then on Sunday morning, 黃全瑋弟兄 (Thomson) also got baptized. One of coolest parts of that baptism was actually before the baptism when we met with him and his daughter to explain baptism a little since his daughter has never been to church. As we were sharing about baptism with his daughter, we invited 黃全瑋弟兄 (Thomson) to share a little testimony, and it was so cool. He shared how he had previously been baptized and how it felt, but how it didn't feel complete. He is very familiar with the bible, and knew there should be an confirmation by the laying on of hands but that his old church did not do that and how excited he was to finally be confirmed to the one and only church that truly has the authority to confirm people. Elder McNeil and I both had big smiles on after that one, and then that went right into the baptismal service, which was super good.

As for the majority of the week though, we have spent it finding, with tons of success. This week we seriously had so many miracles. With this last too weeks, our key investigators all became recent converters and so we are working to find some more solid investigators. And this last week, we found them. It just felt everyone we were finding actually was living in our area which was such a blessing. So this next week we will be meeting with a LOT of people that we found during this last week. So the work here is going super well.

So, the other big thing from this week was also MLC, which was when a lot of changes were announced in the mission. There are a lot of changes being made and it is looking like it will be super fun. The two biggest changes that are happening are with transfer meetings and exchanges. For transfer meetings, there will no longer be transfer meetings. This is a change being made by all missions around the world and is directly from Elder Oaks. So for the next transfer day, it will be very interesting. We do not know all the details yet, but we have been told that missionaries are now being allowed to travel allow on trains, buses, subway, or taxis. So, that is all that we have been told, but we will be told more here in the next few weeks. The other one was exchanges.  All exchanges will be done in the leader's area. In the past when going on exchanges one person would go to the other companionships area, but from now on, both will be going to the Assistants/Zone Leader's/Sister Training Leader area, which should be interesting since our apartment really isn't that big, but it should be interesting. So there are a lot of changes being made worldwide and there are suppose to be a good number of changes being made within the mission as well, which should be interesting, but also exciting for the mission.

Well, that was basically my week, lots of miracles and just enjoying the work. It really has been a blast serving in this ward and also seeing so much success as well. Thank you for all the emails and prayers! Hope you all have a great week!

我愛你們,

Love you,

柯長老

Elder Okeson