Hey my Stud of a Family!!!!!
How are you guys doing?
Sounds like you all are doing great. You guys are all healthy and doing good things with your life. Keep up the good work, the Lord is blessing us greatly. Always be grateful for these great gifts and opportunities the Lord is giving us!
This week was awesome; the Lord blessed us all day every day!! We ended the week with 15 baptismal dates, 22 lessons with members present, and 10 new investigators!! It was an awesome week. We ended the week with a total of 32 lessons. This is only our 4th week in a white washed area, things are exploding here. The Lord is blessing us for our dedicated hard work. It’s amazing to see the Lord's hands in all that we do and say. I know the only way we are having this success is because of the Lord and His willingness to guide us in His work here on earth. Not only is 32 lessons very hard to reach the first transfer after white washing an area, we had 3 baptismal interviews yesterday. All three of them passed and will be baptized next week. Brother He, Brother Qu, and Sister Xu (Wu Momma). It was so cool to have 3 people just lined up to have their interviews and as each and every one of them came out from being interviewed smiling we just all were so excited as they each said were good. Next week is going to be a special week.
Wu Guan Chen was so happy that his mom is getting baptized. She has asked me to help her be baptized, I was honored it has been an amazing thing 7 months ago to see her absolutely not liking the church at all, taking a book of Mormon and ripping it in half, into preparing for baptism. She has changed so much it has been an amazing thing to see. The other day we needed to meet with her because her original baptismal date was for the 10th of October but here that is when we watch general conference, so we couldn't do it then. We met with her and were going to ask her if a week earlier she wanted to be baptized. So I asked her in the lesson, Wu Momma are you ready to be baptized? She just looked at me and said YES! Man I was so excited and so happy for her. I knew she was too, and I knew that the Lord also knew that she was ready to be baptized. After her interview I was talking to her about the temple and how she can be baptized for her Son that passed away, she was excited about that! Yesterday was an awesome day!
Amazing Experience!!
So it was Tuesday and we were eating around 6 pm in the church. At 7:15 pm there is an institute class that was starting that night. A member Sister Liu came in at 6:30 pm which is really early. She said she didn't know why she came in early. But soon we found out that we know exactly why she came in early because the Lord had a miracle being set up that night. All of a sudden my companion gets a feeling we have to go outside we can find someone. So we ran outside, saying a prayer in the Elevator on the way down. I was looking around to see who to contact. I saw a mom pushing a stroller. She had made it across the cross walk already so I literally sprinted (using my 100 year old missionary body, I’m surprised it didn't break down sprinting) over to get to her. I was like hey how are you? She was good. I said I have the most important message you will ever here it is about your family. I need to share it with you, she said right now. I was like Yes! So she accepted an invite right then and there to go up to the church and sit down and listen to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There was a major problem though, yes the Lord had blessed us and planned for the miracle by having a member come 30 minutes early in order to help us with the lesson. But because she is a woman we needed to Women to be present in the lesson in order to teach her. So what do we do, we don't have another Sister? I called Sister Liang but she didn't answer. I ran to the end of the road thinking of what do to. I looked to my left and Saw Sister Liang walking across the road. I just thanked God. He put two Sisters in our way in order to teach this new mom Sister Huang. I was like Sister Liang, you are a miracle we need to come help us, she gladly accepted. So we went up to the church and sat down with her. Found out that 2 years ago or so she was in a park and a missionary gave her a Book of Mormon, she had never had a chance to open it but she remembers the missionary saying that the church was around here, he never told her where just that it was around here. She said she never had contacts with the missionaries after then. But that night when she was at home she had a feeling to just go on a walk with her little kid. So she strapped up the stroller and started walking. She said the spirit (she said it in other words but I knew it was the spirit) led her to walk in that direction. She was across the cross walk when she was thinking well that young missionary told me there was a church around her, I think it's right around her? Right as she thought that I sprinted up to her side and Said Ni Hao (hello). She received an answer right then and there that Heavenly Father is mindful of all of his children. She believes that there is a God, but doesn't know who He is. So we had an opportunity to open up her knowledge and start to know that she can and will have a relationship with God. When we relayed the idea that my companion had a thought or prompting to run outside also, she told us that she knew this was God allowing her to run into us. Isn't that crazy, God prompted all of us to go outside. But the thing is he prompted her a little earlier to allow her to get ready and start walking, then right when she passed the church God told my companion and I, get outside I have a miracle set up for you!! It is amazing how God works. I know that this is the Lord's work, because this kind of thing isn't possible if it wasn't by the hand of the Lord. God had precisely prompted 5 people in order to give his daughter a chance to meet him, and know she can return to live with him!! This isn't just chance, nothing that happens on a mission or in life (If we are living righteously) is chance!!! I’m grateful that me and my companion have lives in harmony with the rules of the mission and have been dedicated servants of the Lord and the Lord has been trusting us with his children!! I Love my Savior and Redeemer!
This last week there was a leadership training meeting. The Zone leaders from Xin Zhu (the last area I served in) were up. The meeting is two days so they need a place to stay and do missionary work for the night! So I got a call from the Assistants (elder Daniels) He said I got good news for you. We are sending missionaries home with other missionaries for the night. He told me that they were coming with us. He then continued to tell me that their zone has been struggling and not really getting anything done regarding helping investigators!! He told me, let them see miracles, and give them fire. I was so excited. That night we saw many miracles. We pulled 2 people off the street that were willing to just go to the church with us and allow us to share the gospel with them, along with many, many others who were willing to set up or give us our numbers. That night as we discussed with them what was going on down in Xin Zhu, they were crazy dumbfounded what was going on in our area and how we were having so much success. My Companionship alone had more new investigators and lessons then their whole zone combined. It just goes to show when you have the power of the Lord and are willing to work the Lord will allow you to see miracles. It's a simple recipe!! Faith+Unity+will of God=Miracles We have all 3 right now, not to be cocky, but to say that we are two humble servants of the Lord that are willing to give ourselves and all to the Lord and his work!! It has been an amazing experience to be a part of and allow my testimony to grow of the savior and his hand in all the things that we do. It has been a life changing experience and will continue to be as long as I know that it isn't my work at all. That everything I do is because the Lord is allowing me to do it!!
Another cool experience. We went and met with the Su Family. They are doing well. We taught them about the spirit through prayer, and watched the restoration with them!! It was awesome; the brother was talking about how he has been getting a warm good feeling as he reads the scriptures. We helped him understand that that is the Holy Ghost. We talked about how after baptism you can have that with you every day, he was so excited. It's been so amazing to see these 2 progress and really see that they want to do this. They ended up not being able to make it to church. But they are doing well, and we'll help them understand how they can find a way to make it to church and continue to do what the Lord wants them to do!!
This last week was the mid autumn Festival. So everyone barbecues. Wed Night we had the chance to eat with a member. It was so so, so good. Then Sunday night we also were able to eat at Wu Mommas house. The way they do barbecues is actually pretty good. They don't just slab a huge piece of meat on the grill. They have slices and they wrap them around vegetables and stuff. It's amazing!!
We had a fun opportunity this last week. We met with 3 members. Sister Liang, Sister lin, and Xiao Gugu! We wanted to help them know how to share the gospel. So we set up a time to meet with them, shared a message from Preach My Gospel. Then we had them each right down a friend of Family Member that they want to share the gospel with. We had them go One by One. We had them explain to us everything that was going on in that person’s life Including their work, family, relationship with you, and everything else they could. I played the role of their friend or family member and they took the role of Missionary and had to share the gospel with me. We had them try it, then we gave them an example of how they could do it. It was really spiritual it allowed them to understand that it is important to open their mouths and it helped them understand how they can start to open their mouths. It turned out great. They got knew ideas how to share. We told them to take this person’s name home and prayer about it, then look through the scriptures or through your thoughts for an answer about how to help this person hear the gospel. I’ve had the chance to follow up with one of them, they said during their prayer they had some thought what they could try. We are going to try and do this with the ward more to get all of the members involved in all aspects of missionary work. This ward is amazing at taking care of the investigators we bring to church, but we want them to start bringing investigators of their own to church. So I’m excited. We got it passed we talked to the MM-Leader. Every Saturday 1 pm to 3 pm we are holding a training meeting. We are inviting all members we are going to teach them why, how, and them go do. We are literally going to take them outside and have them share with everyone the gospel. It's going to be a interesting experience, I’m so stoked for this opportunity to help the members do what they are supposed to do, that is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with EVERYONE!!!!
Also we have a investigator Sister Bella Huang! She hasn't been answering her phone lately so we haven't had an opportunity to contact her for over a week. Randomly we were getting ready to head out on our bikes, and my companion says hey call Bella, I don't know why but I just had that feeling. So I quickly called her, another small miracle that before my mission who have been forgotten, but now very happy of being a part of. She answered, and told us that she has been sick, but this Saturday she would come and meet with us!! The Lord knows all, and is mindful of the time of all and how to help them continue to have chances to accept his gospel and allow his servants to run into prepared people!!! This work is amazing.
Last week I ran into a mom and her 18 year old daughter on the street. We set up for a dinner appointment 2 days later. So we met up and some really, really interesting things happened. We went to KFC. Turns out that she is a member and has been baptized, but her daughter hasn't yet and is a member of another church (they don't eat meet on Fridays in her church!! But it was Friday and she was eating KFC I thought that was kind of Ironic), and they brought along a friend. We sat down and started eating them discussing about the gospel. All of a sudden I hear, I know him. He is Christian too. So she invited this random guy to come over and join our gospel discussion. Turns out that he was pretty interested and started asking very, very good questions. All are simple to understand. The main one we focused on was the God Head. It's not 3 names 1 person It's 3 names 3 people. God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I simply said, OK think about this for a minute. When Jesus Christ was baptized, he was immersed completely by water right? He said Yes. I said OK then what happened, a Voice from Heaven said, this is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased!! OK key word son!! I asked him them would you call your own self Son? Are you your own son? He said no, I said then do you think that Jesus Said to Himself I am my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased (or simply I pleased with myself) I was like that would be weird first of all, and it's not true. I know they are separate because of this and another special experience. Then we shared the Restoration. It was simple. I love how any question that other churches have about our church is easily answered if they will just listen and learn. The LDS Church here in Taiwan is heavily attacked by all others. A lot of people don't like our church. But it still stands strong against the power of the Evil One!!! The church is the only bright thing that Taiwan has left. Just like the rest of the world, it is all going to burn because the Second Coming is almost here. It is a crazy thing to see how evil the world is getting. But everything about our church that is said here in Taiwan is all just from false accusations and thoughts and feelings about our church.....I think it's funny that the church of Christ is so heavily attacked when no other church is. Then I remember that because everything other then The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is of the devil. There is no half and half. You can’t be on the fence. Because once you are on the fence you've picked the side of Satan. There is two ways. Christ or Satan. Which one will we choose? I know what I’ve chosen, and my family and friends also. I hope we all will keep it that way also!!
Also another funny thing, my companion was contacting a way good guy the other day on a scooter at a red light. He gave him our track with our name on it. He was about to right down the number of the guy and a crazy white guy drove up on his scooter and ripped the track out of the man’s hand and started yelling at him in English to get out of there and not listen to us. My companion calmly kind of with a snicker to his tone asked the man in Chinese if he understood what he was saying. He of course said no. But the white guy grabbed the man’s hand and said get out of here. I then came over and was like What’s up!! He said get out of here, leave the Chinese people alone. The effect of the free agency of this white person was that Chinese man has to wait longer to hear the gospel. It's sad that because of someone’s Free Agency others are greatly affected. It can be a great thing, but it's sad when it's for the bad. I’ve never been filled with so much anger and never felt like I wanted to go take someone out so much in my entire life. but that anger turned into sadness because I knew that that white man and his friend were lost in life. They were well into their 30's just hanging out in Taiwan, Not married, No goals, and NO LIFE. I wanted to help them, but knowing their hearts were taken over by the Devil I knew I had no way too. So hopefully they will repent and humble themselves and come unto Christ!!
Well family that was some of the cool things or interesting things that happened this past week. I love you guys so much.
I know God lives!!! I know he loves each and every one of Us.
Love you guys,
Elder Rasmussen!!!!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
It's Been Cool to Set Big Goals and See Them Accomplished Through the Lord!
Hey you guys!!!!
It was a crazy sweet week full of miracles!!! We ended on the week with 17 baptismal dates, 28 lessons, and 13 New Investigators. This is only the 3rd week after whitewashing an Area. Literally the Lord has blessed us left and right, I don't even know how to explain it other than the fact that we are just being obedient, working together in unity, and seeing Miracles!! It has been an amazing experience in my life. It has been amazing to rely wholly on the Lord Jesus Christ and do all I can in my power. It's been cool to set big goals with my companions which everyone is kind of doubting around us and seeing them accomplished through the Lord and seeing all these people coming unto the Savior through His atonement and receiving baptism and the Holy Ghost.
Wu Guan Chen's Mom is doing amazing. She reads every morning and night also prayers every morning and night. She is bearing testimony to us how much the gospel has changed her life and how much she has seen in change Guan Chen's life. She is the cutest lady. She always feeds us; she has been making homemade fries and fried chicken for us. They probably are the best fries I've ever had and the chicken is amazing. She puts on a seasoning that I've never tried before, it is unbelievably good. She is progressing very, very well.
Brother Qu, he is going to Australia in a couple of weeks but really wants to be baptized. A year ago he met with missionaries and we found in while going through old records. He has been prepared. He full on committed to living all the commandments and progressing toward baptism. He will get baptized in the coming weeks....He just has to continue to come to church, continue to repent and feel the power of the Atonement and read/pray every day. He had a cool experience in his life where he felt the spirit very strong during a prayer and knows these things are true. He is the man, I love working with him. He recently this week just brought his friend so his friend can start learning these things also. During the lesson his friend was confused on a part and Brother Qu (being an investigator) explained why to him and he really understood after that, it was cool to hear my companion tell me about that (I was on exchanges so I wasn't in on that lesson). But he is doing spectacular....
We met a new mom that is amazing. Sister Chen she is 31 and has 2 kids. I contacted her while out on the streets. She was picking up her 3 year old from school. She was awesome. She set right up and said we could come visit her. So 3 days later we went to her house, but because of her house being inconvenient with people sleeping we taught her outside on a bench. it was interesting because us three knelt down on the ground to teach her while she was sitting on the bench with her 1 1/2 year old daughter. (I’ll tell you what after that lesson I tried to stand up and almost fell my knees were so feeble. I had no power, kneeling that long hurts you, or I’m just getting old I don't know, either one it hurt very bad) But we taught her about the blessings the gospel brings the family, she was just smiling the whole time. We found out that she is a professional dancer. She is awesome. We asked her when she knows these things are true will she be baptized by the proper authority of God, she said yes. Then we set a 10/24/10 date with her. She is amazing. She is so willing and just happy in life. That was a huge miracle and makes me so happy to know that a mom has the chance to come unto the gospel and then lead the rest of her family to receive the blessing of this gospel. Next time we will try to get the husband to come with us, he was busy with things that day though.
Thomas, he is from Malaysia. He is probably the most handsome dude I've ever seen, I’m not even kidding. He is 22 and he is a model (or does advertisements) His English and Chinese are both pretty much fluent. We taught him, and asked him why he is willing to meet with us, or what he wants to get out of this. He said he wants to learn something new, and see if it can help his life. We asked him his concept of God, he said It doesn't matter if It's Buddha or the Christian God all is good, and if they teach you to do good it’s alright.....right? He said this in a way that was a question and it was very humble the way he asked it, as if he wanted to know the real answer. So we were able to help him understand that the only way is through the only Living God, and His Son Jesus Christ. He really understood that, then we invited him once you know this God, and Believe these things are true, Will you be baptized by the proper authority on 10/24/10 He also accepted the invite. He was so willing to do these things. He doesn't have a cell phone so it's kind of hard to follow up with him, but the cool thing is he is calling us and setting up times, which means that he actually has desire to learn and study these things. He is another miracle the Lord blessed us with!!
The Su Family, They are a family of 3. The two kids 27 years old older brother and 23 year old younger sister. They both are doing well. We had Wu Guan Chen come to the lesson with us, because they have no friends. They were so excited to see a friend and meet someone new, instead of just playing games all day. I think that having him there really helped them open up and they seemed a lot happier. So now we know, we need to get them to come to church and they will love it because there they can meet a lot of friends and feel the love of the members. The son has a body condition where he is sick and needs medicine so it's hard for the family. None of them have a solid work; they are all being supported by their ageing mother with no father. His work right now is holding a cardboard bulletin outside all day long. It requires him only to work on Saturday and Sunday, which means that right now he can't come to church. So we helped him understand the importance of church and how we need to go to worship God. He committed to looking, with the Lords help, for a Job that will allow him Sunday night to go to church. It was a good lesson, and I think he's sincere in trying. He hasn't been reading lately though but I called him to follow up and he recommitted to start reading and praying every single day...They are great people, who need the Lord Jesus Christ in their life so much.
There are some updates on some of our investigators.
Spiritual moment of the week,
We were out contacting and I saw a younger woman about mid 20's so I went and said Hi. She said Hi. I told her I have a very, very important message I need to share with her. She said OK. So we sat down on a bench and started talking. She was 27 years old and she didn't have a specific religion and didn't really believe in God all that much. I talked to her about prayer how it really is communication!! I then bore specific humble testimony saying, I know God lives, I know him and have a relationship with him. She got a stunned look on her face and looked at me, she said you know him? I said yes. She said have you seen him, I said no..Then she was like how do you know him them. I said can you see the wind? She said No. Then I said, do you know wind exists. She said Yes, I said why, She said because you can feel it. I said can you see it. She said No. I was like that is the exact same way I know God exists, I know without a doubt and cannot deny his existence because I've felt it through the power of the Holy Ghost. She was in Awe; I told her that you can to have a relationship with God. She was a little hesitant to believe. So I said OK let’s say a prayer. I said the prayer and invited for the spirit to be with us, and for Sister Feng to now the truthfulness of what I was about to share. (I testify at this time that I was a humble servant of the Lord this 30 minutes, I had the power of God with me, and the power to convince in the Name of Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost) I told her that is how it is, I once again testified, I know God lives. She asked me how old I was. I said 20 She was like no way, you are way to mature. I just said yes that's true I am, but it's because I know my purpose in life, and exactly what I’m doing I have no question about the direction of my life. You see 20-30 year olds out partying thinking they are having fun, but in reality they are trying to make up, through temporary happiness and excitement, the Lack of true inner peace that they oh so desire. This is why I’m truly happy, I don't need to go party, I know my purpose in life, I know why I’m here, and What I’m doing!! She then with a smile on her face, clapped her hands, and said OK I’m Convinced. She was like, no one has ever been able to convince me like you are right now. I humbly told her that it's not me, I’m just a humble servant of the Lord doing what I’m supposed to do. She said, you are amazing. I just smiled and said you too can know God. If you Know God, and learn that these things are true will you be willing to Follow the Example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood power of God? She said yes of course. She then asked me what is the purpose of life. I asked her, I don't know what do you think the purpose of life is? She said, To Love my Family, Make money, and be happy. I was like OK if you had all the money in the world that would be awesome right, then she smiled and said yeah!! OK if you had all the money, you loved your parents, and were "happy" then what? She said you just live life well. Then I once again said, “Then What?” She was like I don't know. I testify there is a deeper, true purpose to life and that's what we are here to share. The only happiness you get from money is temporary, then needing to buy bigger and better stuff to keep happy. It will fail you!! We need true inner peace which comes only in and through Jesus Christ. I said I don't have a girl friend, I don't drink smoke or anything, I don't party, I don't watch TV, or listen to the radio, Most people would say that is a boring life. But I have never been happier before, It's because I’m doing what the Lord wants me to do. She was like, I know you happy, I asked her how. She said your eyes glow happy, and you can feel it!! I once again testified because I know my purpose and put all my trust in the Lord. She said OK just tell me the purpose of life. I said that is for you to find out. So I asked her if you know these things are true and you understand this purpose of Life and what you need to do to follow Jesus Christ, Will you be baptized on 10/24/10, She said yes. (The weirdest thing then happened, I had the strongest prompting as if a voice it's self, tell me to ask her what is the biggest question in your life) So without thinking, I asked her, What is your biggest question in life. She looked at me, and said about anything? I said yes. She said you can't make fun of me, I said I won't.....she then with a smile wiped off her face and a very sad serious look on her face she looked at me and said how do I know if someone truly loves me? a scripture in 1 Nephi 11 immediately popped into my head, so I flipped to it and shared it with her. It's about the Love of God being the most desirable above all other love, and how it brings happiness to the soul. So if your with someone and it truly brings happiness to your soul that is love. She looked at me and said, you are amazing. Could you answer anything with that book. (I was just thanking God the Entire time for helping me answer that question) I said, this book is perfect and it will give you answers to your life. It will also help you know the truth of these things. So I gave her Moroni 10:3-5 to take home and read and prayer about these things. She was so excited to go home and read the Book of Mormon!! (During this contact with her, I have never felt so powerful yet so humble at the same time. I literally felt as it says in the Book of Mormon many times being filled with the spirit that you can't be restrained. I felt literally I was so in tuned with the spirit that anything I told her would come to past.) This was an amazing experience the Lord allowed me to be apart of and help one of his daughters come unto Him. I will never forget this experience!!!! I’m so grateful I am a tool in the hand of the Lord!
I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know the only true road to happiness it through the Only Atoning sacrifice known to man which was accomplished by our Perfect Older Brother, Even the Lord Jesus Christ. I testify that He knows me, and I know him. I testify that through prayer and the power of the Holy Ghost I have felt the comforting love of his arms wrapped around me. I know as sure as I life that this is HIS work, and the only way to do it is through Him!! I know that we see miracles as we trust him, are worthy, obedient and get to work!!!! I know his will is to help us all return to live with Him again, I know I’m right in the middle of that road right now. I will return to live with him, along with my family and future wife and kids. Families are eternal, I will see my little Brother Trey again, Satan is not going to stop me from having that opportunity to see him again. God lives, He provided a way to save us, Now lest accept that way and do what we are ought to do!!! Trust the Lord, Follow His commandments, Repent of our Sins, and Share the Gospel!! This gospel Its true!!! I say these things in the Name of the only one that can call this His gospel, that is in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!!
I love you guys so much!!!!
Have another great week, I keep you guys in my prayer and hope you feel my love for you guys all the way across the world because it’s stronger than ever.
-Elder Rasmussen :D
It was a crazy sweet week full of miracles!!! We ended on the week with 17 baptismal dates, 28 lessons, and 13 New Investigators. This is only the 3rd week after whitewashing an Area. Literally the Lord has blessed us left and right, I don't even know how to explain it other than the fact that we are just being obedient, working together in unity, and seeing Miracles!! It has been an amazing experience in my life. It has been amazing to rely wholly on the Lord Jesus Christ and do all I can in my power. It's been cool to set big goals with my companions which everyone is kind of doubting around us and seeing them accomplished through the Lord and seeing all these people coming unto the Savior through His atonement and receiving baptism and the Holy Ghost.
Wu Guan Chen's Mom is doing amazing. She reads every morning and night also prayers every morning and night. She is bearing testimony to us how much the gospel has changed her life and how much she has seen in change Guan Chen's life. She is the cutest lady. She always feeds us; she has been making homemade fries and fried chicken for us. They probably are the best fries I've ever had and the chicken is amazing. She puts on a seasoning that I've never tried before, it is unbelievably good. She is progressing very, very well.
Brother Qu, he is going to Australia in a couple of weeks but really wants to be baptized. A year ago he met with missionaries and we found in while going through old records. He has been prepared. He full on committed to living all the commandments and progressing toward baptism. He will get baptized in the coming weeks....He just has to continue to come to church, continue to repent and feel the power of the Atonement and read/pray every day. He had a cool experience in his life where he felt the spirit very strong during a prayer and knows these things are true. He is the man, I love working with him. He recently this week just brought his friend so his friend can start learning these things also. During the lesson his friend was confused on a part and Brother Qu (being an investigator) explained why to him and he really understood after that, it was cool to hear my companion tell me about that (I was on exchanges so I wasn't in on that lesson). But he is doing spectacular....
We met a new mom that is amazing. Sister Chen she is 31 and has 2 kids. I contacted her while out on the streets. She was picking up her 3 year old from school. She was awesome. She set right up and said we could come visit her. So 3 days later we went to her house, but because of her house being inconvenient with people sleeping we taught her outside on a bench. it was interesting because us three knelt down on the ground to teach her while she was sitting on the bench with her 1 1/2 year old daughter. (I’ll tell you what after that lesson I tried to stand up and almost fell my knees were so feeble. I had no power, kneeling that long hurts you, or I’m just getting old I don't know, either one it hurt very bad) But we taught her about the blessings the gospel brings the family, she was just smiling the whole time. We found out that she is a professional dancer. She is awesome. We asked her when she knows these things are true will she be baptized by the proper authority of God, she said yes. Then we set a 10/24/10 date with her. She is amazing. She is so willing and just happy in life. That was a huge miracle and makes me so happy to know that a mom has the chance to come unto the gospel and then lead the rest of her family to receive the blessing of this gospel. Next time we will try to get the husband to come with us, he was busy with things that day though.
Thomas, he is from Malaysia. He is probably the most handsome dude I've ever seen, I’m not even kidding. He is 22 and he is a model (or does advertisements) His English and Chinese are both pretty much fluent. We taught him, and asked him why he is willing to meet with us, or what he wants to get out of this. He said he wants to learn something new, and see if it can help his life. We asked him his concept of God, he said It doesn't matter if It's Buddha or the Christian God all is good, and if they teach you to do good it’s alright.....right? He said this in a way that was a question and it was very humble the way he asked it, as if he wanted to know the real answer. So we were able to help him understand that the only way is through the only Living God, and His Son Jesus Christ. He really understood that, then we invited him once you know this God, and Believe these things are true, Will you be baptized by the proper authority on 10/24/10 He also accepted the invite. He was so willing to do these things. He doesn't have a cell phone so it's kind of hard to follow up with him, but the cool thing is he is calling us and setting up times, which means that he actually has desire to learn and study these things. He is another miracle the Lord blessed us with!!
The Su Family, They are a family of 3. The two kids 27 years old older brother and 23 year old younger sister. They both are doing well. We had Wu Guan Chen come to the lesson with us, because they have no friends. They were so excited to see a friend and meet someone new, instead of just playing games all day. I think that having him there really helped them open up and they seemed a lot happier. So now we know, we need to get them to come to church and they will love it because there they can meet a lot of friends and feel the love of the members. The son has a body condition where he is sick and needs medicine so it's hard for the family. None of them have a solid work; they are all being supported by their ageing mother with no father. His work right now is holding a cardboard bulletin outside all day long. It requires him only to work on Saturday and Sunday, which means that right now he can't come to church. So we helped him understand the importance of church and how we need to go to worship God. He committed to looking, with the Lords help, for a Job that will allow him Sunday night to go to church. It was a good lesson, and I think he's sincere in trying. He hasn't been reading lately though but I called him to follow up and he recommitted to start reading and praying every single day...They are great people, who need the Lord Jesus Christ in their life so much.
There are some updates on some of our investigators.
Spiritual moment of the week,
We were out contacting and I saw a younger woman about mid 20's so I went and said Hi. She said Hi. I told her I have a very, very important message I need to share with her. She said OK. So we sat down on a bench and started talking. She was 27 years old and she didn't have a specific religion and didn't really believe in God all that much. I talked to her about prayer how it really is communication!! I then bore specific humble testimony saying, I know God lives, I know him and have a relationship with him. She got a stunned look on her face and looked at me, she said you know him? I said yes. She said have you seen him, I said no..Then she was like how do you know him them. I said can you see the wind? She said No. Then I said, do you know wind exists. She said Yes, I said why, She said because you can feel it. I said can you see it. She said No. I was like that is the exact same way I know God exists, I know without a doubt and cannot deny his existence because I've felt it through the power of the Holy Ghost. She was in Awe; I told her that you can to have a relationship with God. She was a little hesitant to believe. So I said OK let’s say a prayer. I said the prayer and invited for the spirit to be with us, and for Sister Feng to now the truthfulness of what I was about to share. (I testify at this time that I was a humble servant of the Lord this 30 minutes, I had the power of God with me, and the power to convince in the Name of Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost) I told her that is how it is, I once again testified, I know God lives. She asked me how old I was. I said 20 She was like no way, you are way to mature. I just said yes that's true I am, but it's because I know my purpose in life, and exactly what I’m doing I have no question about the direction of my life. You see 20-30 year olds out partying thinking they are having fun, but in reality they are trying to make up, through temporary happiness and excitement, the Lack of true inner peace that they oh so desire. This is why I’m truly happy, I don't need to go party, I know my purpose in life, I know why I’m here, and What I’m doing!! She then with a smile on her face, clapped her hands, and said OK I’m Convinced. She was like, no one has ever been able to convince me like you are right now. I humbly told her that it's not me, I’m just a humble servant of the Lord doing what I’m supposed to do. She said, you are amazing. I just smiled and said you too can know God. If you Know God, and learn that these things are true will you be willing to Follow the Example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood power of God? She said yes of course. She then asked me what is the purpose of life. I asked her, I don't know what do you think the purpose of life is? She said, To Love my Family, Make money, and be happy. I was like OK if you had all the money in the world that would be awesome right, then she smiled and said yeah!! OK if you had all the money, you loved your parents, and were "happy" then what? She said you just live life well. Then I once again said, “Then What?” She was like I don't know. I testify there is a deeper, true purpose to life and that's what we are here to share. The only happiness you get from money is temporary, then needing to buy bigger and better stuff to keep happy. It will fail you!! We need true inner peace which comes only in and through Jesus Christ. I said I don't have a girl friend, I don't drink smoke or anything, I don't party, I don't watch TV, or listen to the radio, Most people would say that is a boring life. But I have never been happier before, It's because I’m doing what the Lord wants me to do. She was like, I know you happy, I asked her how. She said your eyes glow happy, and you can feel it!! I once again testified because I know my purpose and put all my trust in the Lord. She said OK just tell me the purpose of life. I said that is for you to find out. So I asked her if you know these things are true and you understand this purpose of Life and what you need to do to follow Jesus Christ, Will you be baptized on 10/24/10, She said yes. (The weirdest thing then happened, I had the strongest prompting as if a voice it's self, tell me to ask her what is the biggest question in your life) So without thinking, I asked her, What is your biggest question in life. She looked at me, and said about anything? I said yes. She said you can't make fun of me, I said I won't.....she then with a smile wiped off her face and a very sad serious look on her face she looked at me and said how do I know if someone truly loves me? a scripture in 1 Nephi 11 immediately popped into my head, so I flipped to it and shared it with her. It's about the Love of God being the most desirable above all other love, and how it brings happiness to the soul. So if your with someone and it truly brings happiness to your soul that is love. She looked at me and said, you are amazing. Could you answer anything with that book. (I was just thanking God the Entire time for helping me answer that question) I said, this book is perfect and it will give you answers to your life. It will also help you know the truth of these things. So I gave her Moroni 10:3-5 to take home and read and prayer about these things. She was so excited to go home and read the Book of Mormon!! (During this contact with her, I have never felt so powerful yet so humble at the same time. I literally felt as it says in the Book of Mormon many times being filled with the spirit that you can't be restrained. I felt literally I was so in tuned with the spirit that anything I told her would come to past.) This was an amazing experience the Lord allowed me to be apart of and help one of his daughters come unto Him. I will never forget this experience!!!! I’m so grateful I am a tool in the hand of the Lord!
I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know the only true road to happiness it through the Only Atoning sacrifice known to man which was accomplished by our Perfect Older Brother, Even the Lord Jesus Christ. I testify that He knows me, and I know him. I testify that through prayer and the power of the Holy Ghost I have felt the comforting love of his arms wrapped around me. I know as sure as I life that this is HIS work, and the only way to do it is through Him!! I know that we see miracles as we trust him, are worthy, obedient and get to work!!!! I know his will is to help us all return to live with Him again, I know I’m right in the middle of that road right now. I will return to live with him, along with my family and future wife and kids. Families are eternal, I will see my little Brother Trey again, Satan is not going to stop me from having that opportunity to see him again. God lives, He provided a way to save us, Now lest accept that way and do what we are ought to do!!! Trust the Lord, Follow His commandments, Repent of our Sins, and Share the Gospel!! This gospel Its true!!! I say these things in the Name of the only one that can call this His gospel, that is in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!!
I love you guys so much!!!!
Have another great week, I keep you guys in my prayer and hope you feel my love for you guys all the way across the world because it’s stronger than ever.
-Elder Rasmussen :D
Sunday, September 12, 2010
This week has been another amazing week in Song Shan!
Hey Family!!!!
Glad to hear that things are going well and that you are all doing well. I know that the Lord is protecting you and helping you guys through life, never forget that, because the second that we forget the Lord in our lives is when we start having trials. Because God gives us trials to humble us so we will always remember him and always do what he has asked us to do!!
This week has been another amazing week in Song Shan. We saw miracle after miracle!! We ended the week with 13 new investigators and have 11 baptismal dates. The Lord has truly been blessing us and allowing us to find those people that want to be baptized. We still have to help most of them have a very set study schedule to help them receive their own testimony but they are on their way to making promises with the Lord their redeemer. It's been great to come back here as a Senior Companion, It's also been amazing to work with my Companion Elder Van Wagoner. He is a great missionary, He just loves the work and is willing to contact all day and talk to people. I've found when I've had an elder that likes to do that we find success and the Lord blesses us for that effort. This place truly is the promised land and It's not going to die off like last time, Through the Lord's help we are going to build up this place so whomever comes in here will have a ton a people to teach and people to find on the streets, it will be a never ending place for missionaries to come and help souls come unto Christ.
We have just been following Preach My Gospel exactly and people have been setting baptismal dates left and right. It's amazing what happens when you follow the teaching of the prophets. Preach My Gospel is amazing, it has changed my mission and my outlook on life. I love learning from it. It has helped us teach to the needs of Investigators and understand how we can help them feel the spirit, not just teach them a lesson. It's been really cool to see the changes in reaction with the investigators now as it's all 100 percent according to their needs. We begin teaching in a specific way to clarify expectations and see what they want out of meeting us. Also we help them understand what we want them to get out of it (BAPTISM) So after that we set a date and say as long as you know these things are true, are you willing to follow the example of Jesus Christ and allow someone holding his priesthood authority baptize you. It has been great, because it lays out very clearly why we are meeting with them, and we also know why they are allowing us to share with them. It's been really powerful, it has been some of the most spiritual lessons I've been involved in..
Elder Daniels (who is the assistant now), they came to Song Shan for exchanges He came with us, and Elder Berry (the other assistant) went with the other set of elders. It was so good to do work with him again. He is a stud. I learn so much from him. We stayed up till like 1 talking about the direction of the mission and things president has been really focusing on lately. About finding, short lessons, and helping investigators feel and recognize the spirit. He was saying how there are some missionaries who are only getting 5 lessons a week and districts and zones that aren't getting the amount of New Investigators that our companionship is getting alone. He says that these places just don't have the vision and fire right now. But they went down there for one night and found 5 new investigators and set 2 baptismal dates. So there is people down there, just the thoughts of the missionaries is still wrong, all about things just are different down here, and there aren't as much people. So the president is really working on changing that thought process to get the whole mission on the same page. But the mission is improving by leaps and bounds. It's cool to see the teaching methods changing and the amount of new people with baptismal dates coming in. It's a beautiful sight to have a board full of people wanting to work toward baptism.
Wu Mom is doing amazing. She is coming to church every week, reading and praying every day. The other day she was talking about how she has changed so much because of the Church, and pretty much preaching how great it is. She will absolutely be baptized... I love her so much, she is just like my Taiwanese mom, she takes care of us so well. Always feeding us and doing stuff for us. I want you guys to meet their family so bad. I was meant to meet Guan Chen and his family!! When we come back to Taiwan I want to bring you guys to meet them, you guys will absolutely love them!
A cool experience, I pulled a kid riding on his bike over and started to teach him. He asked me what church we were, I said the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said oh Latter-Day that must mean that there was a before also right? Haha that was the sweetest question I’ve ever heard, it's also the exact question you want to hear. It's the first time I’ve ever heard that connected by a Taiwanese person. But I went through the apostasy with him and the restoration. He understood it so well. He was just like oh ok, so this church has the authority and the others don't, I was like yup! It was really cool, he was like relaying everything I was teaching him into his own words and it was all right it was a very spiritually uplifting experience. He set up for this Tuesday. He said he would be baptized when he knows but just now willing yet to set a baptismal date, he wants to understand it more first. But it was a great lesson. He said the closing prayer right there on the side walk, the first one he's ever said and it was great.
This last week was crazy, I also went on exchanges with the district leader. We found so so so many people. I could not even count because there was so many. We set up 5 families to meet with this week. So I’m so excited to meet with these families and get an opportunity to help a family together get baptized, sealed, then live together in the celestial kingdom.
I don't even know how to explain all the things that are happening right now. All I can say is that it has nothing to do with my power or how good we are. It’s all by the hand of the Lord. I’m so grateful to be a humble servant in his hand. I know that whatever He asks me to do, if done, will see a miracle. I've seen so very many miracles and know I’ll continue to see them as I’m obedient, and diligent in the work. I know this work is true, it's real. People are prepared and EVERYONE needs the gospel.
I love My Savior Jesus Christ! I've grown to know him very well. I know that he atoned for my sins and every single person’s. I know that this is his work and nobody else’s. I know that Satan is real; I also know that temptation is powerful. But I know even more that the power of God and his Son Jesus Christ will overcome anything and I mean ANYTHING. I love them; I will continue to serve them with all my heart, might, mind, and strength!! This gospel is so true; I can't and won't deny it.
I love you guys so much,
Thank you for all the support.
Love your son and Elder Brother
Elder Rasmussen!!
Glad to hear that things are going well and that you are all doing well. I know that the Lord is protecting you and helping you guys through life, never forget that, because the second that we forget the Lord in our lives is when we start having trials. Because God gives us trials to humble us so we will always remember him and always do what he has asked us to do!!
This week has been another amazing week in Song Shan. We saw miracle after miracle!! We ended the week with 13 new investigators and have 11 baptismal dates. The Lord has truly been blessing us and allowing us to find those people that want to be baptized. We still have to help most of them have a very set study schedule to help them receive their own testimony but they are on their way to making promises with the Lord their redeemer. It's been great to come back here as a Senior Companion, It's also been amazing to work with my Companion Elder Van Wagoner. He is a great missionary, He just loves the work and is willing to contact all day and talk to people. I've found when I've had an elder that likes to do that we find success and the Lord blesses us for that effort. This place truly is the promised land and It's not going to die off like last time, Through the Lord's help we are going to build up this place so whomever comes in here will have a ton a people to teach and people to find on the streets, it will be a never ending place for missionaries to come and help souls come unto Christ.
We have just been following Preach My Gospel exactly and people have been setting baptismal dates left and right. It's amazing what happens when you follow the teaching of the prophets. Preach My Gospel is amazing, it has changed my mission and my outlook on life. I love learning from it. It has helped us teach to the needs of Investigators and understand how we can help them feel the spirit, not just teach them a lesson. It's been really cool to see the changes in reaction with the investigators now as it's all 100 percent according to their needs. We begin teaching in a specific way to clarify expectations and see what they want out of meeting us. Also we help them understand what we want them to get out of it (BAPTISM) So after that we set a date and say as long as you know these things are true, are you willing to follow the example of Jesus Christ and allow someone holding his priesthood authority baptize you. It has been great, because it lays out very clearly why we are meeting with them, and we also know why they are allowing us to share with them. It's been really powerful, it has been some of the most spiritual lessons I've been involved in..
Elder Daniels (who is the assistant now), they came to Song Shan for exchanges He came with us, and Elder Berry (the other assistant) went with the other set of elders. It was so good to do work with him again. He is a stud. I learn so much from him. We stayed up till like 1 talking about the direction of the mission and things president has been really focusing on lately. About finding, short lessons, and helping investigators feel and recognize the spirit. He was saying how there are some missionaries who are only getting 5 lessons a week and districts and zones that aren't getting the amount of New Investigators that our companionship is getting alone. He says that these places just don't have the vision and fire right now. But they went down there for one night and found 5 new investigators and set 2 baptismal dates. So there is people down there, just the thoughts of the missionaries is still wrong, all about things just are different down here, and there aren't as much people. So the president is really working on changing that thought process to get the whole mission on the same page. But the mission is improving by leaps and bounds. It's cool to see the teaching methods changing and the amount of new people with baptismal dates coming in. It's a beautiful sight to have a board full of people wanting to work toward baptism.
Wu Mom is doing amazing. She is coming to church every week, reading and praying every day. The other day she was talking about how she has changed so much because of the Church, and pretty much preaching how great it is. She will absolutely be baptized... I love her so much, she is just like my Taiwanese mom, she takes care of us so well. Always feeding us and doing stuff for us. I want you guys to meet their family so bad. I was meant to meet Guan Chen and his family!! When we come back to Taiwan I want to bring you guys to meet them, you guys will absolutely love them!
A cool experience, I pulled a kid riding on his bike over and started to teach him. He asked me what church we were, I said the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said oh Latter-Day that must mean that there was a before also right? Haha that was the sweetest question I’ve ever heard, it's also the exact question you want to hear. It's the first time I’ve ever heard that connected by a Taiwanese person. But I went through the apostasy with him and the restoration. He understood it so well. He was just like oh ok, so this church has the authority and the others don't, I was like yup! It was really cool, he was like relaying everything I was teaching him into his own words and it was all right it was a very spiritually uplifting experience. He set up for this Tuesday. He said he would be baptized when he knows but just now willing yet to set a baptismal date, he wants to understand it more first. But it was a great lesson. He said the closing prayer right there on the side walk, the first one he's ever said and it was great.
This last week was crazy, I also went on exchanges with the district leader. We found so so so many people. I could not even count because there was so many. We set up 5 families to meet with this week. So I’m so excited to meet with these families and get an opportunity to help a family together get baptized, sealed, then live together in the celestial kingdom.
I don't even know how to explain all the things that are happening right now. All I can say is that it has nothing to do with my power or how good we are. It’s all by the hand of the Lord. I’m so grateful to be a humble servant in his hand. I know that whatever He asks me to do, if done, will see a miracle. I've seen so very many miracles and know I’ll continue to see them as I’m obedient, and diligent in the work. I know this work is true, it's real. People are prepared and EVERYONE needs the gospel.
I love My Savior Jesus Christ! I've grown to know him very well. I know that he atoned for my sins and every single person’s. I know that this is his work and nobody else’s. I know that Satan is real; I also know that temptation is powerful. But I know even more that the power of God and his Son Jesus Christ will overcome anything and I mean ANYTHING. I love them; I will continue to serve them with all my heart, might, mind, and strength!! This gospel is so true; I can't and won't deny it.
I love you guys so much,
Thank you for all the support.
Love your son and Elder Brother
Elder Rasmussen!!
This is pictures of us doing Dan Jones. We had 3 new missionaries with us, they were so scared to stand in front of all those scooters and yell their testimony. But they stepped up and did a great job. The pictures are of me contacting while they were yelling their testimonies. The Missionaries all left with fire and a love of talking to everyone so it was really good. It was fun!! I just love missionary work so much. :D
I was riding down the road and saw these two random guys sleeping so I thought that I would take a picture I thought it looked funny. Yeah this is the bike that Elder Yeh (our old zone leader) took and painted while I was in Taipei for a couple of days, it just so happened that I was wearing a pink tie that day so it worked out perfect. Haha I got lots of stare downs and lots of girls to look my way and start laughing it was great. Now my bike is all white.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Helllloooooooooooooo from Song Shan!!!!!
All I have to say is what a week. I absolutely love song shan. It truly is the promised land. Last Monday just taking a taxi into the song shan area memory after memory started coming back to my mind. I just started getting more and more pumped to do work!!!
Monday night the first thing we did was go with members to visit Wu Guan Chen mom's store and eat some noodles there. But we didn't have bikes yet. Also it was literally pouring rain and way windy. So we walked with umbrellas for a long time, all of our pants were soaking wet. But we eventually arrived and I see this lady with a white umbrella running down the road. Soon to find out was his mom. She was so excited to see me, as was I to see her. She is a very, very cute mom, I love her so much. But the part that got to my heart the most is something happened and Liang JM a member just jokingly said then why don't you get baptized. Wu Momma then proceeded to say, I was just waiting for Elder Rasmussen to come back to be baptized. When I heard that I couldn't feel but to cry and just be so excited for her. Guan Chen is on a mission for a week just do get some experience in so he doesn't know that his mom said this. It is amazing, before when I was in Song Shan she was completely against the church, and refused anything to do with it. Wouldn't even come to church when I left Song Shan to hear me speak. But now she has gone to church 5 weeks in a row and reading and praying. It has been an amazing change to see. I can personally see a huge change in her demeanor. She has grown and is happier now. Best thing about her situation last night we went to a fireside. At that fireside her son Wu Guan Chen gave a talk in front of everyone about the restored gospel. He shared a very, very strong testimony about his conversion, shared his love for Elder Daniels and I, and for his mom. His mom felt really good, she was astonished how much he has changed from just 1 week of doing missionary work. He is a stud, and mainly because of his willingness to change and the Atonement of Jesus Christ changing him his mom now has the chance to investigate the church. On the way home from the fireside I was talking with WU momma the whole time. I was teaching her about how to better study the Scriptures and pray. Then I started to talk to her about baptism. Then I asked her, if you know these things are true would you be baptized. She said yes, of course. Then I asked her if on 10/10/10 she would be prepared to be baptized, she said she could. She was so cute, after she set her baptismal date she was like, OK now how do I prepare. What do I have to start doing? I told her on Wed, we would meet with her and help her fully understand. It was a really cool thing to see 8 months ago her son accepting baptizing, being able to baptize him and to confirm him a member, then to see his mom set a baptismal date. It has been an amazing cycle that I have been able to be a part of. I know this is one main reason I've come back to Song Shan.
This week has been full of miracle after miracle. We were able through the power of the Lord go from no investigators to finding 15 New Investigators and setting 6 baptismal dates. IT's been fun being senior companion. It helps to have a sweet junior companion who likes to contact and find also. He is a stud, and it's been a fun week working with him and serving the Lord.
Another cool story, there is a Sister Huang (Bella) she was an investigator we were working with when I was here last time, but she wasn't really progressing at all. Her life was just a ball of busy, and no purpose to it. No time with the kids, just running around all the time, no time to sit down and think about life. Well back then she was not prepared and not willing. The last time we met with her we let our hearts out to her, we were crying the members that were there with us were crying, but she was unaffected. It was sad because I knew she was making the wrong choice. She is a way cool mom of 2 twin 9 year old kids. Well right when I got into Song Shan I had the thought to call her, so I did. She answered and was way surprised to hear my voice and set up for this last Saturday. We met with her and had 2 brilliant members come and help with the lesson. IT was cool, the Members came 20 minutes early so we could discuss the lesson. We read over Preach my Gospel together, and I had them share some experiences in their life, and their thoughts about the purpose of life. That little 20 minute get together in and of itself was a spiritual opportunity for us missionaries and those two members to grow, it was great. But even better was now we the missionaries were prepared as well as the members to teach this lesson. Bella came and we sat down. The lesson went just ask planned, I asked the members to teach what we had practiced right before. The spirit could have been slice right out of the air. It was one of the most prepared and spiritual lessons I've ever been involved with. My companion and I taught with perfect unity, and bore testimony of the things the other had been teaching. We invited her to be baptized and she said yes. She then told us of the cool experience involved with us meeting her again. She never uses the phone I called anymore, and if she does it's always on really low so she hardly ever answers it. But the day that I called her she had the phone right on her lap so she answered it, also when I called she was thinking about wanting to be baptized this year. This is what I call being set up by God. It was amazing when she told us that experience, the spirit testified to each and every one of us that this is what she needed to be doing. So we set a 10/10/10 baptismal date with her. This is another example of change. She was different than before, much different. She was calmer, and listened really intently to the lesson. She had been prepared for the 3 months that I was gone from here.
Those are just a couple of the many, many miracles we saw.
Even though this week was a great one, it was one of the hardest weeks of my mission. Full of getting stood up and getting rejected. Many days of this week I spent in frustration because of no one willing to meet. A full day of contacting and no one willing. It's hard. I felt like just giving up a couple times. But through prayer and a sincere plead for the help of the Lord I was able to overcome the temptations of Satan to let up my efforts. 2 days went by and nothing was moving, everyone that was set up stood us up and everyone on the street was rejecting us. We had gone home quickly to get more tracts to go out and contact for the last hour when we were supposed to be teaching a lesson but because He too stood us up we went outside and contacted. We got home, tire, exhausted, and sick of people rejecting. We knelt down together in prayer, pleaded with the Lord if there be anyone that needs this gospel to let up run into them. We went out with fire for the last hour of the night, talking to everyone. The 3rd Man I talked to name was James. He was Buddhist but he said he would sit down with me. So we went over to the benches sat down and started talking. We ended up saying a prayer, the first one in Chinese, and because his English was pretty good he wanted to hear one in English also. I said both, after the English prayer he just paused for a second then opening his eyes he looked at me and said wait where is your church. He felt the spirit of prayer. He then committed to come to church with us. Then I kept talking to everyone, I ran into a man named Tank (yes a Tank he was). He had been Buddhist for 5 years. He liked some of the stories in the Buddhist scriptures. So I shared the Restoration and talked about the power of the Book of Mormon. I told his the perfectness of the Book of Mormon and that he would love it. He asked me if He could have one, I said yes and we will meet with him again this Friday. Then The 8 o'clock guy calls us Brother Liu and says sorry my work went late but I’m here now. So we went and taught him, he set a baptismal date to come unto Christ. So the two days of hardship, faith building, trust, and frustration ended in 3 lessons and a baptismal date. It was an amazing answer to a sincere prayer by two humble servants of the Lord. I know prayer is true, and that God listens.
It has been an amazing week on my mission, and a week I’ll never forget. Things are going great, and the Lord is blessing us beyond measure. He truly is a merciful God, a loving God, and all knowing God. I love me Heavenly Father and His Son, my Savior Jesus Christ. I love this work and I’m so grateful to be here to serve them with all My Heart, might, mind, and strength. I know that I’m doing the work of the Lord, I know I’m a servant of his and of everyone I come across. I love serving as the hands of the Lord, and my missionary service for the Lord will never end.
Thank you family, I love you guys so much. You guys are the best. Hope your all doing good.
Love your Brother and Son
Elder Rasmussen
Monday night the first thing we did was go with members to visit Wu Guan Chen mom's store and eat some noodles there. But we didn't have bikes yet. Also it was literally pouring rain and way windy. So we walked with umbrellas for a long time, all of our pants were soaking wet. But we eventually arrived and I see this lady with a white umbrella running down the road. Soon to find out was his mom. She was so excited to see me, as was I to see her. She is a very, very cute mom, I love her so much. But the part that got to my heart the most is something happened and Liang JM a member just jokingly said then why don't you get baptized. Wu Momma then proceeded to say, I was just waiting for Elder Rasmussen to come back to be baptized. When I heard that I couldn't feel but to cry and just be so excited for her. Guan Chen is on a mission for a week just do get some experience in so he doesn't know that his mom said this. It is amazing, before when I was in Song Shan she was completely against the church, and refused anything to do with it. Wouldn't even come to church when I left Song Shan to hear me speak. But now she has gone to church 5 weeks in a row and reading and praying. It has been an amazing change to see. I can personally see a huge change in her demeanor. She has grown and is happier now. Best thing about her situation last night we went to a fireside. At that fireside her son Wu Guan Chen gave a talk in front of everyone about the restored gospel. He shared a very, very strong testimony about his conversion, shared his love for Elder Daniels and I, and for his mom. His mom felt really good, she was astonished how much he has changed from just 1 week of doing missionary work. He is a stud, and mainly because of his willingness to change and the Atonement of Jesus Christ changing him his mom now has the chance to investigate the church. On the way home from the fireside I was talking with WU momma the whole time. I was teaching her about how to better study the Scriptures and pray. Then I started to talk to her about baptism. Then I asked her, if you know these things are true would you be baptized. She said yes, of course. Then I asked her if on 10/10/10 she would be prepared to be baptized, she said she could. She was so cute, after she set her baptismal date she was like, OK now how do I prepare. What do I have to start doing? I told her on Wed, we would meet with her and help her fully understand. It was a really cool thing to see 8 months ago her son accepting baptizing, being able to baptize him and to confirm him a member, then to see his mom set a baptismal date. It has been an amazing cycle that I have been able to be a part of. I know this is one main reason I've come back to Song Shan.
This week has been full of miracle after miracle. We were able through the power of the Lord go from no investigators to finding 15 New Investigators and setting 6 baptismal dates. IT's been fun being senior companion. It helps to have a sweet junior companion who likes to contact and find also. He is a stud, and it's been a fun week working with him and serving the Lord.
Another cool story, there is a Sister Huang (Bella) she was an investigator we were working with when I was here last time, but she wasn't really progressing at all. Her life was just a ball of busy, and no purpose to it. No time with the kids, just running around all the time, no time to sit down and think about life. Well back then she was not prepared and not willing. The last time we met with her we let our hearts out to her, we were crying the members that were there with us were crying, but she was unaffected. It was sad because I knew she was making the wrong choice. She is a way cool mom of 2 twin 9 year old kids. Well right when I got into Song Shan I had the thought to call her, so I did. She answered and was way surprised to hear my voice and set up for this last Saturday. We met with her and had 2 brilliant members come and help with the lesson. IT was cool, the Members came 20 minutes early so we could discuss the lesson. We read over Preach my Gospel together, and I had them share some experiences in their life, and their thoughts about the purpose of life. That little 20 minute get together in and of itself was a spiritual opportunity for us missionaries and those two members to grow, it was great. But even better was now we the missionaries were prepared as well as the members to teach this lesson. Bella came and we sat down. The lesson went just ask planned, I asked the members to teach what we had practiced right before. The spirit could have been slice right out of the air. It was one of the most prepared and spiritual lessons I've ever been involved with. My companion and I taught with perfect unity, and bore testimony of the things the other had been teaching. We invited her to be baptized and she said yes. She then told us of the cool experience involved with us meeting her again. She never uses the phone I called anymore, and if she does it's always on really low so she hardly ever answers it. But the day that I called her she had the phone right on her lap so she answered it, also when I called she was thinking about wanting to be baptized this year. This is what I call being set up by God. It was amazing when she told us that experience, the spirit testified to each and every one of us that this is what she needed to be doing. So we set a 10/10/10 baptismal date with her. This is another example of change. She was different than before, much different. She was calmer, and listened really intently to the lesson. She had been prepared for the 3 months that I was gone from here.
Those are just a couple of the many, many miracles we saw.
Even though this week was a great one, it was one of the hardest weeks of my mission. Full of getting stood up and getting rejected. Many days of this week I spent in frustration because of no one willing to meet. A full day of contacting and no one willing. It's hard. I felt like just giving up a couple times. But through prayer and a sincere plead for the help of the Lord I was able to overcome the temptations of Satan to let up my efforts. 2 days went by and nothing was moving, everyone that was set up stood us up and everyone on the street was rejecting us. We had gone home quickly to get more tracts to go out and contact for the last hour when we were supposed to be teaching a lesson but because He too stood us up we went outside and contacted. We got home, tire, exhausted, and sick of people rejecting. We knelt down together in prayer, pleaded with the Lord if there be anyone that needs this gospel to let up run into them. We went out with fire for the last hour of the night, talking to everyone. The 3rd Man I talked to name was James. He was Buddhist but he said he would sit down with me. So we went over to the benches sat down and started talking. We ended up saying a prayer, the first one in Chinese, and because his English was pretty good he wanted to hear one in English also. I said both, after the English prayer he just paused for a second then opening his eyes he looked at me and said wait where is your church. He felt the spirit of prayer. He then committed to come to church with us. Then I kept talking to everyone, I ran into a man named Tank (yes a Tank he was). He had been Buddhist for 5 years. He liked some of the stories in the Buddhist scriptures. So I shared the Restoration and talked about the power of the Book of Mormon. I told his the perfectness of the Book of Mormon and that he would love it. He asked me if He could have one, I said yes and we will meet with him again this Friday. Then The 8 o'clock guy calls us Brother Liu and says sorry my work went late but I’m here now. So we went and taught him, he set a baptismal date to come unto Christ. So the two days of hardship, faith building, trust, and frustration ended in 3 lessons and a baptismal date. It was an amazing answer to a sincere prayer by two humble servants of the Lord. I know prayer is true, and that God listens.
It has been an amazing week on my mission, and a week I’ll never forget. Things are going great, and the Lord is blessing us beyond measure. He truly is a merciful God, a loving God, and all knowing God. I love me Heavenly Father and His Son, my Savior Jesus Christ. I love this work and I’m so grateful to be here to serve them with all My Heart, might, mind, and strength. I know that I’m doing the work of the Lord, I know I’m a servant of his and of everyone I come across. I love serving as the hands of the Lord, and my missionary service for the Lord will never end.
Thank you family, I love you guys so much. You guys are the best. Hope your all doing good.
Love your Brother and Son
Elder Rasmussen
A lesson learned that all need to learn!
Something I want to address quickly, something that my whole life I’ve never been good at and the starting parts of my mission was also not very good at until last transfer with Elder Choi in Xin Zhu. I learned the most important principle I could have learned on my mission and in life. The Fear of God and not Man. My whole life I’ve lived by the standards of man, I lived according to the wants and desires of man. What does this person think of me, if I do this what will others think about me, If this If that!! All about others and their opinions toward me. That drove me to many decisions including who to date, what to play, etc.... This is a decision at the time that I thought was just natural and what everyone does, but oh how wrong was I. Before my mission to be totally honest God didn't play a huge role in my life, I’m not saying that He didn't want to, but that I didn't allow Him too. I was all about worldly this and worldly that. It controlled my life. But it was normal so it didn't matter. Even on my mission, in My first few areas with sky rocketing numbers and people getting baptized we were able to stay somewhat humble but always the thought was there, oh president will see this, oh what will "they" think when they see these numbers. I was wronged by Satan. I lived a life not of my own and the one that the Lord wanted me to live. I lived a life that wasn't improved as quickly as it should have been and as productive as it should have been. Oh man If I don't get on and play xbox with my best friends (yeah the ones I met playing xbox live last night at 5 in the morning, who don't have a bigger vocabulary then the 10 swear words, and talk garbage behind everyone's back) they will not want to play with me anymore. Who cares about my little sister who is 7, upstairs playing, who cares about my brother who is 2 years younger than me, He doesn't deserve my time. Xbox, and those so called "friends" over ran my family. I can't come to prayer and scriptures I said, I’m playing a match. But then instead of having a spiritual uplifting time with my loving parents and family members, because we lost the match I'd end the night yelling at my younger brother whom I was playing with, or blaming him for the loss of a worthless game, That doesn't matter one tiny, tiny bit. Oh how worthless I was and how much less then dirt I was treating my family members like that. I have eternal sorrow for the way I treated my family, you guys, and my younger brother whom I played the worthless game with!! Something I didn't understand is that the time with him was important but the game wasn't!! Oh how selfish I was.....I’m so sorry for serving man over God. Since last transfer I’ve been changed by the Atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ, He has led me and guided me down the path that I should have been traveling the whole days of my life. The path that leads to happiness, happiness not from winning a pointless game on x box, but godly happiness with my family forever. That pain that influences my life and brings me down ever so often has been wiped away. It comes back all the time just to remind me how wronged I was and never to go back. I will never touch a game system ever again. I will serve my family till I die, and into the life to come because they are my light and my life. They helped me through everything that I went through. They were always by my side. How deeply hurt I am for serving man and not God. I know that serving God brings true inner happiness. No more faking happiness on the outside and being crumpled on the inside. We can be truly happy on both sides, through the Lord Jesus Christ. This last week we found more investigators then I’ve found before on my mission. We received praise from all around us, members, missionaries, assistants. I was told by our zone leaders how amazing our week was. But you know what, that is great, but what is even better is the Lord knows that we sanctified that week to Him and gave it our all, and that is why he blessed us with the results that we ended up with. I have absolutely no temptation to get a number just so some other missionary will see it, I’m serving the Lord. I will talk to that guy regardless of his reaction to me or the others around him because I know that's what the Savior wants. I have a lot of weaknesses, but I know my strength in my testimony of the Reality of The Savior Jesus Christ will get me through all!!!! I’m so grateful for the change the Savior has wrought inside of me. Not just on the outside, but truly a change of heart. I love this work, and my life. I testify that the second we Fear man and try to satisfy man we will be unhappy, because man is never satisfied. But the second we start fearing God we will be happy, and know that we can be satisfied also that our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ will also be happy and satisfied with our actions and works. I know this work is true. I know that we all need to stop fearing Man or we are in big trouble. Because in the end "Man" will become extinct because of "Man's" wickedness. Don't wear those clothes to fit in, worry about the girls do and don't like you, or what other people will think about your righteous actions. Know that God lives; He gives us living prophets to help us and guide us. I testify when we do what the Lord wants us to do we are successful in life, regardless of what we do or don't have.
I know that God Lives! I know that the Jesus is the Christ and redeemer of this world!!
This is my humble testimony as a servant of the Lord, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I know that God Lives! I know that the Jesus is the Christ and redeemer of this world!!
This is my humble testimony as a servant of the Lord, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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