Hey Family!!!
Looks like everything is going great!! That's good to hear. I love seeing the letters about the family it makes me so happy. I know that the Lord is taking care of you guys and will continue to as long as we follow the commandments to the tee and don't make any exceptions. But this last week was amazing. I had a great week with Elder Clavel, seeing it being the last we were going to be able to spend together, which I'll explain in a minute. But we had a great week together and I've learned a ton from Him and have had a blast being with him. He is a great missionary and loves his mission. I've been blessed to learn from him and am grateful for the opportunity the Lord gave me to be with him.
Anyway this week we had the opportunity to see Sister Wei, and Ou Yang step into the waters of baptism. What a wonderful thing it was to see them both to covenant with the Lord to follow Him the rest of their life's. Man was it awesome. I forgot to bring my camera so I'll get it and bring it next week and send you all the pictures from it. It was great though. When they both shared their little spiritual thought after they were baptized it was completely different. They were spiritually grown, also the testimony that they shared was great. Sister Wei is about 60 years old or a little less. But she is a little more inside with her personally. She really doesn't like to show her feelings very well. But she shared after that she was really happy and that she really does feel like a new start to her life. Also that she was very excited to have this opportunity to have a new start. It was awesome to hear her bear testimony. Also Sister Ou Yang shared about how she came to feel of these things to be true. She was crying and awesome in sharing her testimony. To close she just said, I know this church is true!! I was so happy, literally music to my ears when I heard Her say these words. It was beautiful. I'm so grateful that we were tools in the hands of the Lord and we had the opportunity to help 2 children start on the path that leads back home. What a great calling that I have!!
Also this week was transfers! My companion and I got home and played rock paper scissors to see who could look at the transfer sheet first. I won the first round then he won the 2nd and 3rd round so he got the opportunity to look at it first. He just looked at it and smiled. Then He said "Do you want to tell me" I said "no Not a word, I don't want to hear anything" Well after he looked at it he gave it to me. I looked straight to where our two names are for being central zone zone leaders. I saw Elder Clavel. then I looked at the side of his name where my name had been, but to my surprise I didn't see My name I saw Elder Xu! My heart jumped and I looked at all the other Zone Leader positions to see if I got moved zones or to another area. I couldn't find my name. So then I looked at all the district leader stops thinking maybe I went district leader. But I couldn't find my name either. Then I looked at all the Senior and Junior companions to find my name. I just started to laugh because I couldn't find my name anywhere. I looked at my companion and in confusion stated "I'm not here, Maybe they forgot me." He just smiled, Then I looked a second time to check again, this time I looked at the office names President Grimley, and His wife were named with their phone numbers next to it. Then Our Assistant Elder Leavitt was under then. Then One Down Said Assistant: Elder Rasmussen Then My new number. The smile dropped right off of my face and my heart dropped to the bottom of my feet. The last thing I expected. It hadn't have even crossed my mind!! I have been called to serve as Assistant to the president. The first thought or feeling I had is a feeling of Unqualified. I prayed about it that night and got the conformation that it was the will of the Lord. So I'm stoked. I had a meeting Sunday night that didn't allow me to get home till 10:15 when we are supposed to be home by 9 also this morning being Monday at 8:30 I also had another meeting with the president. The first meeting was great. We just knelt in prayer and the spirit filled the room, then we just discussed the needs of the mission. I never realized how much say and how much the president talks with his assistants about what is going on in the mission. I was nervous, and excited at the same time. This morning we got together again and went over all the numbers of the mission and the areas that need to be improved. We also did follow ups with all of the zone leaders. That was tiring. Then We had to get ready announcements to send out, and Set up the district meeting topic for this week. It was crazy. We did it all. Elder Leavitt and I just prayed and were lead by the spirit in making a district meeting topic that was needed by the mission. It was crazy, Really the spirit lead us and taught us what to write to be sent out. It's really weird now my priorities have completely changed. It's all what the President needs now. We get it done then we can work with our investigators. But most of the time we are going around the island going on exchanges and doing the things that the mission needs to be done. It's a really busy thing but it's going to be so much fun. Today is P-Day, But I was in the office 8:30-2:00 getting stuff done. Ha Ha It was crazy. It's going to be very different. But I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to work with president and see how he does things and learn from Him. It's also interesting that We have to take everything the President says and wants the mission to know and teach it so that the mission understands it and acts upon it. So it's a lot of pressure to get things done, fast, and in the right way. It's going to be a really good lesson of organization skills. Tomorrow morning we have to wake up at 4;30 in the morning to take the dying missionaries too the airport. I drive in car now and also use computers. It's the weirdest feeling. But we are going to be so busy, the time is going to fly by so fast which makes me scared because I don't have a lot of it left. But it's going to be a great learning experience and it's going to be an amazing experience to see what the Lord wants me to see and do what the Lord wants me to do. I'm a little nervous, but also know that if I trust in the Lord I will be lifted in this calling and be able to help the mission grow into what it needs to become!! The responsibilities are a lot greater and more, it's going to be really fun to get into it. I'm really excited about what is in store. So yeah I'm the new assistant. Ha ha, it’s going to be fun!
Anyway this next transfer we don't have a ton of meeting or anything planned, but we will be exchanging all around the mission. Helping out all the companionship's reach the vision of the mission and progress in their finding and teaching skills as missionaries. It's going to be great to work with each companionship and help them work out what they need to do in order to help their areas. It's also going to be very cool to see the whole island. I'm excited about that, because I've been in the city my whole mission so it will be great to see what is in the mission!
I know this gospel is true. I know it because I've received a testimony many many times from the Holy Spirit. I also know that what I'm doing is pleasing to the Lord. I know that as I continue to trust the Lord he will lead and guide this work, and allow me to become a tool in his hands. I Love the Lord and my Heavenly Father. I know they Live. I know Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I know that He performed many miracles on the earth and Atoned for our every sin. I know He lives and loves us. I know this church is true, It is the living and true church of God. The Only true church on the face of the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is true and it was translated through the power of God. I also know without a doubt that Joseph Smith is an inspired prophet of God. I'm grateful that He gave his life for the upbringing of the most glorious gift to all, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in its fullness. Thank you family so much for all you do for me. I love you all so much. Keep working hard and trusting in the Lord. Do work baby!!!!
Love-
Elder Rasmussen
you son, Brother and Friend!!! :D
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
It was a Week of Hardships and Miracles!
Hello, Hello, Hello!!!!! My family!
Although I yet know how your week went, I expect it went very well like usual. Hope things are still moving along and doing well!
This week was a very interesting week. It was a week of miracles and hardships. Well not really hardships but yeah a trial of faith I guess you could call it. We had the plans set up and everything, but it just seemed that this whole week fell apart at our finger tips. We tried so hard, and tried to work smart but it just felt like everything didn't work out the way we wanted it to. Our goals were far out of sight and it was Saturday. We were hoping for 6 new investigators this week and had 0 at the end of Friday. But we continued to have faith and the Lord showed us the rest. We saw so many miracles. Saturday we taught 3 new investigators and they all set baptismal dates. It was amazing. Then On Sunday is when huge miracles started happening. Another elder set up a young man for before church. I totally forgot about it until the morning on Sunday when I was getting ready. So I called the Elder and made sure that we had a set up that morning. He said yes, I asked him to call the man and make sure he was going to come, so we didn't have to leave our home early if he wasn't! The elder called back and said that he is already getting ready to leave. So we left the apartment and me with him before church. It was amazing. He is so so prepared. He's been feeling the spirit his whole life and recognizes it, and believes because of these feeling that God really does live. We just shared with him, and it was so crazy to see him so easily set a baptismal date and to be so willing to do these things. We asked him, why are you so willing. He just told us how he knew it was what he should do. He is a science student, which in of itself is very rare to believe in God, because most of them are in order to believe you have to see. But he is completely different. He is saying, the more that I get into science the more I believe that there is a God. So it was a really cool lesson. He was a prepared soul. Then after church a family just randomly walked in and wanted to know about our church. So my companion and I had the opportunity to take them on a tour and teach them about the gospel. We focused on the family, and how the gospel will bless the family in every which way. It was a really good lesson. They are also a very prepared family. It was amazing. It was a dad, mom, and 2 kids. We just mainly talked about overcoming the temptations of today through living the gospel. Also helping our kids overcome the temptations of the day. It was a powerful spirit filled lesson. I loved it. They also set dates together. Although they don't live in our area they will be a great help to the church here in Taiwan. So we ended the week and were able to reach our new investigator goal and help many souls come unto Jesus Christ!! It was great.
Also Saturday night was great. A young lady by the name of Sister Hong was baptized. My companion had the opportunity to baptize her. She is really amazing. In the same day my companion and I both contacted her and then she finally set up with us. We taught her about the gospel and she was kind of OK about it. Then we gave her to the sister because she was in their area. Now she is baptized. She has completely changed. It was an amazing difference; she is a completely different person!! We saw her in white and it was a beautiful sight. It was amazing. I just love baptism it is a wonderful thing to be a part of. It truly is taking yourself and separating yourself from the world. She was so happy too, also she brought 4 of her non member friends to watch the baptism and the ward did a great job of taking care of them and helping them understand these things. It was a great experience. I can send pictures later.
Also Sister Wei has passed her baptism interview!!! Yeah...I’m so happy for her. She has gone through a huge change this last 2 months. She has completely grown in faith and understanding of the gospel. It has been a great process to be a part of and see! She will be baptized this Saturday. Also Sister Ou Yang. She will also be baptized this Saturday. She too has had miracles in her life. Last week we met with her and were going to review the baptism interview questions. We asked her the first question. She just started crying and said I believe that God lives, but I can't honestly say he is my eternal father in Heaven. I want to say yes so bad, but I just don't know. So we invited her to go home, take a piece of paper and write down, is God my Eternal Father in Heaven. Then to pray about it and wait for an answer. I told her I’d call her the next take and talk about the answer that she was going to get. So the next day I called her. I asked about last night, she said still no answer. I asked her if she did what I asked. She said yes. But then she continued to tell me the story. She said that in the night she didn't get an answer, but in the morning she was talking with her sister and mom about it. While she was talking with them, her mom said, after this work I want to start going to church with you. Sister Ou Yang had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to be baptized. Then she told me, even though I don't fully understand, I just feel willing and wanting to believe. I just was ecstatic, she had received her answer. The next time we met we went through the baptismal interview questions and it was no problem for her. She was ready on every single one. It was an amazing change to see. You could just feel that she was ready and wanted it. We asked Sister Ou Yang, are you ready to be baptized. She said, Yes I am!! Man was it cool or what. So this week we will be having 2 baptisms. The other Sister Wang, will be in the upcoming week or two. So the Lord has really blessed us and helped us be successful tools in His merciful hands!!
Although this week was hard, I grew closer to the Lord and better understood my purpose of my mission. I also understand that if we trust the Lord in all things, everything will work out for our benefit, the ultimate and best is eternal life. I love my mission and know that this gospel is true. I know it and can't deny it. Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of God and Savior of the world. I love Him, and will serve Him the rest of my life.
Thank you for being so amazing family!!
Love-
Elder Rasmussen
Although I yet know how your week went, I expect it went very well like usual. Hope things are still moving along and doing well!
This week was a very interesting week. It was a week of miracles and hardships. Well not really hardships but yeah a trial of faith I guess you could call it. We had the plans set up and everything, but it just seemed that this whole week fell apart at our finger tips. We tried so hard, and tried to work smart but it just felt like everything didn't work out the way we wanted it to. Our goals were far out of sight and it was Saturday. We were hoping for 6 new investigators this week and had 0 at the end of Friday. But we continued to have faith and the Lord showed us the rest. We saw so many miracles. Saturday we taught 3 new investigators and they all set baptismal dates. It was amazing. Then On Sunday is when huge miracles started happening. Another elder set up a young man for before church. I totally forgot about it until the morning on Sunday when I was getting ready. So I called the Elder and made sure that we had a set up that morning. He said yes, I asked him to call the man and make sure he was going to come, so we didn't have to leave our home early if he wasn't! The elder called back and said that he is already getting ready to leave. So we left the apartment and me with him before church. It was amazing. He is so so prepared. He's been feeling the spirit his whole life and recognizes it, and believes because of these feeling that God really does live. We just shared with him, and it was so crazy to see him so easily set a baptismal date and to be so willing to do these things. We asked him, why are you so willing. He just told us how he knew it was what he should do. He is a science student, which in of itself is very rare to believe in God, because most of them are in order to believe you have to see. But he is completely different. He is saying, the more that I get into science the more I believe that there is a God. So it was a really cool lesson. He was a prepared soul. Then after church a family just randomly walked in and wanted to know about our church. So my companion and I had the opportunity to take them on a tour and teach them about the gospel. We focused on the family, and how the gospel will bless the family in every which way. It was a really good lesson. They are also a very prepared family. It was amazing. It was a dad, mom, and 2 kids. We just mainly talked about overcoming the temptations of today through living the gospel. Also helping our kids overcome the temptations of the day. It was a powerful spirit filled lesson. I loved it. They also set dates together. Although they don't live in our area they will be a great help to the church here in Taiwan. So we ended the week and were able to reach our new investigator goal and help many souls come unto Jesus Christ!! It was great.
Also Saturday night was great. A young lady by the name of Sister Hong was baptized. My companion had the opportunity to baptize her. She is really amazing. In the same day my companion and I both contacted her and then she finally set up with us. We taught her about the gospel and she was kind of OK about it. Then we gave her to the sister because she was in their area. Now she is baptized. She has completely changed. It was an amazing difference; she is a completely different person!! We saw her in white and it was a beautiful sight. It was amazing. I just love baptism it is a wonderful thing to be a part of. It truly is taking yourself and separating yourself from the world. She was so happy too, also she brought 4 of her non member friends to watch the baptism and the ward did a great job of taking care of them and helping them understand these things. It was a great experience. I can send pictures later.
Also Sister Wei has passed her baptism interview!!! Yeah...I’m so happy for her. She has gone through a huge change this last 2 months. She has completely grown in faith and understanding of the gospel. It has been a great process to be a part of and see! She will be baptized this Saturday. Also Sister Ou Yang. She will also be baptized this Saturday. She too has had miracles in her life. Last week we met with her and were going to review the baptism interview questions. We asked her the first question. She just started crying and said I believe that God lives, but I can't honestly say he is my eternal father in Heaven. I want to say yes so bad, but I just don't know. So we invited her to go home, take a piece of paper and write down, is God my Eternal Father in Heaven. Then to pray about it and wait for an answer. I told her I’d call her the next take and talk about the answer that she was going to get. So the next day I called her. I asked about last night, she said still no answer. I asked her if she did what I asked. She said yes. But then she continued to tell me the story. She said that in the night she didn't get an answer, but in the morning she was talking with her sister and mom about it. While she was talking with them, her mom said, after this work I want to start going to church with you. Sister Ou Yang had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to be baptized. Then she told me, even though I don't fully understand, I just feel willing and wanting to believe. I just was ecstatic, she had received her answer. The next time we met we went through the baptismal interview questions and it was no problem for her. She was ready on every single one. It was an amazing change to see. You could just feel that she was ready and wanted it. We asked Sister Ou Yang, are you ready to be baptized. She said, Yes I am!! Man was it cool or what. So this week we will be having 2 baptisms. The other Sister Wang, will be in the upcoming week or two. So the Lord has really blessed us and helped us be successful tools in His merciful hands!!
Although this week was hard, I grew closer to the Lord and better understood my purpose of my mission. I also understand that if we trust the Lord in all things, everything will work out for our benefit, the ultimate and best is eternal life. I love my mission and know that this gospel is true. I know it and can't deny it. Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of God and Savior of the world. I love Him, and will serve Him the rest of my life.
Thank you for being so amazing family!!
Love-
Elder Rasmussen
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Follow the Prophets and Be Blessed or Don't and Suffer!
Wow I can't believe it! Everyone is growing up so very very much. I literally don't recognize some of the pictures. Too crazy!! I've pretty much stayed the same (lost a little hair, but hey that's just what comes with getting old I guess :C) But anyway looks like everyone is doing great. I loved seeing all the pictures of everyone thank you so much for sending them to me. It was great to see them. Ivan looks happy too, that's great to see him after serving an honorable 2 year mission for the Lord. It really does change your life, this missionary experience.
This last week was really good. The Zone is improving and doing a lot better. It just improves every week. It makes me happy and glad to see that the missionaries in our zone are starting to get it more and more and knowing how to serve the Lord with all their heart, might, mind, and strength. As a zone we got a ton of people to come to church and have a ton of progressing investigators. So my companion and I are really happy and excited about the improvement and the direction the zone is going, in following the direction of the mission, which is the direction of the Lord! It's really easy, something I've figured out very literally on my mission. FOLLOW THE PROPHETS AND BE BLESSED, OR DON'T AND SUFFER! It's that easy, everyone is searching for the key to life. The quick fix, the book for dummies, how to be a better parent, how to earn a million dollars in a year, how to do this and that. The steps to success and happiness in life are to FOLLOW THE PROPHET! Why do I say this, because we had the opportunity to be a part of a special experience this past Sunday that lead me to appreciate even more the importance of living prophets, and modern revelation. We were invited to take around 25 Catholic priests and nuns to church and them on a tour of the chapel and then to Q&A session. They were to ask us questions why we were different and whatever was on their mind. It was cool; we sat in the high priest room, the temple president, stake president, 2 bishops and my companion and I sat on a board in front of these people and just answered an hour of questions. It was the coolest thing ever. I love answering questions. Just listening to all the leaders of the church in Taiwan answer questions about the church was special. Then one of the nuns (in a kind of prove it way) asked us why do you guys believe in another bible. The book of revelations tells us that no more words should be added! The stake president asked us missionaries to answer the question. My companion told about why, then I pulled out the Bible haha. I just love the Bible. I told them, not one Christian knows this but in the Bible it talks about the Book of Mormon. They all just looked at me with a dumbfounded look on their faces. So I told them to go to Ezekiel 37:15-17 and then 2 Nephi 3:12. I talked about how God in two different places, talking to two different people about the same thing. I told them right you are holding the Judah stick in the bible. But where is the Ephraim stick or the Joseph posterity. They didn't know. I then read 2 Nephi with them. Said God tells Joseph's descendants the same thing, to take their record and join it together. You may ask why this is important I said. Then I re-read a part in the 2 Nephi, it states that we have 2 records to cast out false doctrine. This is why we need the Book of Mormon I said. Every Christian church reads the Bible, but they all interpret it differently. We need not trust in the arm of flesh anymore to know the Bible, we can trust the word of God. The spirit was strong and testified to the room at that time that the Bible really does talk about the Book of Mormon. It's just that no priest or minister reads that part and shares with his believers because he doesn't know the answer. Also they asked all these questions about things in the Bible and stuff. We had, through the restoration, answers to every single question that they asked. It was so amazing. We could answer any question. It was a really cool experience. I know prophets are essential and real. Without them we cannot and will not return to live with God again!!
Well this week we have 3 baptism interviews. Sister Ou Yang, Sister Wang, and Sister Wei. We are hoping that they will pass and be able to enter into a covenant with God. We are going to be really focusing on them and helping them develop their faith and learn more about the gospel. They are all so good, they are all so pure, and just want it. They are just looking for answers though. It will come though, I know the Lord has His time, if we’re doing what we need to do God is bound by his promise and will bless us.
We met a Black man named Yeuss this week. He's from Ghana. He is so so so so prepared. We met with him the second time. We started the lesson with, “What do you want to learn today?” He said, so humbly, “I just want to know what God doesn't want me to do.” Then in his closing prayer (only his 2nd prayer ever said) he said in broken English "Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me into this church. I want to be a part of this church. Please open the hearts of my brothers and sisters so they too can accept your church. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I was so touched and felt the spirit rest upon the room when he said the prayer. It was a special moment. Even though we have to pass him on to other elders because he will need to go to the English ward, we will be able to see him and still communicate with him. He is a prepared chosen soul of God. It was great to have the chance to meet him, and feel of his love.
Well family, sorry this week was a little shorter, but I love you all so very much!
I know this church is true. I know the Book of Mormon is true because I've read it, prayed about it and received an answer just like it says you will in Moroni 10. I love this gospel, and I will serve God the rest of my life. I will give my whole heart, soul, and desires to serve him. That includes rising up a righteous seed unto Him. I’m so grateful for you mom and dad for bringing me up in the gospel. Even though I made a lot of mistakes in my life that I will be forever regretful for, I’m grateful for the continuation of help and comfort that you two gave me!! I love all my family. Also hope to serve them the rest of my life.
Thank you guys,
-Elder Rasmussen
This last week was really good. The Zone is improving and doing a lot better. It just improves every week. It makes me happy and glad to see that the missionaries in our zone are starting to get it more and more and knowing how to serve the Lord with all their heart, might, mind, and strength. As a zone we got a ton of people to come to church and have a ton of progressing investigators. So my companion and I are really happy and excited about the improvement and the direction the zone is going, in following the direction of the mission, which is the direction of the Lord! It's really easy, something I've figured out very literally on my mission. FOLLOW THE PROPHETS AND BE BLESSED, OR DON'T AND SUFFER! It's that easy, everyone is searching for the key to life. The quick fix, the book for dummies, how to be a better parent, how to earn a million dollars in a year, how to do this and that. The steps to success and happiness in life are to FOLLOW THE PROPHET! Why do I say this, because we had the opportunity to be a part of a special experience this past Sunday that lead me to appreciate even more the importance of living prophets, and modern revelation. We were invited to take around 25 Catholic priests and nuns to church and them on a tour of the chapel and then to Q&A session. They were to ask us questions why we were different and whatever was on their mind. It was cool; we sat in the high priest room, the temple president, stake president, 2 bishops and my companion and I sat on a board in front of these people and just answered an hour of questions. It was the coolest thing ever. I love answering questions. Just listening to all the leaders of the church in Taiwan answer questions about the church was special. Then one of the nuns (in a kind of prove it way) asked us why do you guys believe in another bible. The book of revelations tells us that no more words should be added! The stake president asked us missionaries to answer the question. My companion told about why, then I pulled out the Bible haha. I just love the Bible. I told them, not one Christian knows this but in the Bible it talks about the Book of Mormon. They all just looked at me with a dumbfounded look on their faces. So I told them to go to Ezekiel 37:15-17 and then 2 Nephi 3:12. I talked about how God in two different places, talking to two different people about the same thing. I told them right you are holding the Judah stick in the bible. But where is the Ephraim stick or the Joseph posterity. They didn't know. I then read 2 Nephi with them. Said God tells Joseph's descendants the same thing, to take their record and join it together. You may ask why this is important I said. Then I re-read a part in the 2 Nephi, it states that we have 2 records to cast out false doctrine. This is why we need the Book of Mormon I said. Every Christian church reads the Bible, but they all interpret it differently. We need not trust in the arm of flesh anymore to know the Bible, we can trust the word of God. The spirit was strong and testified to the room at that time that the Bible really does talk about the Book of Mormon. It's just that no priest or minister reads that part and shares with his believers because he doesn't know the answer. Also they asked all these questions about things in the Bible and stuff. We had, through the restoration, answers to every single question that they asked. It was so amazing. We could answer any question. It was a really cool experience. I know prophets are essential and real. Without them we cannot and will not return to live with God again!!
Well this week we have 3 baptism interviews. Sister Ou Yang, Sister Wang, and Sister Wei. We are hoping that they will pass and be able to enter into a covenant with God. We are going to be really focusing on them and helping them develop their faith and learn more about the gospel. They are all so good, they are all so pure, and just want it. They are just looking for answers though. It will come though, I know the Lord has His time, if we’re doing what we need to do God is bound by his promise and will bless us.
We met a Black man named Yeuss this week. He's from Ghana. He is so so so so prepared. We met with him the second time. We started the lesson with, “What do you want to learn today?” He said, so humbly, “I just want to know what God doesn't want me to do.” Then in his closing prayer (only his 2nd prayer ever said) he said in broken English "Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me into this church. I want to be a part of this church. Please open the hearts of my brothers and sisters so they too can accept your church. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I was so touched and felt the spirit rest upon the room when he said the prayer. It was a special moment. Even though we have to pass him on to other elders because he will need to go to the English ward, we will be able to see him and still communicate with him. He is a prepared chosen soul of God. It was great to have the chance to meet him, and feel of his love.
Well family, sorry this week was a little shorter, but I love you all so very much!
I know this church is true. I know the Book of Mormon is true because I've read it, prayed about it and received an answer just like it says you will in Moroni 10. I love this gospel, and I will serve God the rest of my life. I will give my whole heart, soul, and desires to serve him. That includes rising up a righteous seed unto Him. I’m so grateful for you mom and dad for bringing me up in the gospel. Even though I made a lot of mistakes in my life that I will be forever regretful for, I’m grateful for the continuation of help and comfort that you two gave me!! I love all my family. Also hope to serve them the rest of my life.
Thank you guys,
-Elder Rasmussen
Sunday, March 6, 2011
To Learn the Things of Heaven and Earth is BEST!
Family,
Hey guys!! Once again it was very very nice to hear from you and see that you’re all doing so well. I know that the Lord is looking over my beloved family and taking care of you guys very well. I’m grateful for my Heavenly Father that has promised to look over our families as we serve Him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.
Mom, yes I got the package. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed everything in it. I have yet to drink the chocolate milk because it's warming up in weather right now, but maybe it will flip around and be cold for a while. The weather here is so weird. Yesterday it was perfectly sunny and this morning we woke up to pouring rain. It's funny, so unpredictable.
But this last week was an amazing week for us also. It's great to hear that your guy's week was so good with the business and all. It all just comes down to working smarter than harder. This is one thing that we really worked on this week. As we have done this very thing, the Lord has blessed us with Golden Investigators. This week we got a solid 5 people to church. We have about 7-9 that have solid dates and are progressing toward their dates. Although that may not seem like a ton, we are counting our many blessings. When we first started there was none. It's been a great change in the area, and it's been great to see what we can do with the help and inspiration of the Lord. I just think that is awesome what happened in the business for you guys this week. I know it was the Lord looking over those that follow the commandments. I can also testify that I know if we follow the commandments the Lord is bound to bless us. He wants to bless us; all we have to do is willingly without complaining, or doubt, follow the commandments. It will be OK, and the Lord will provide for you!
This week-
We had a really funny night. We had just gotten done teaching a lesson very far away from our house. So we decided to take a bus because we were running low on time. The problem was though, we were at the end of the month and I only had 100 dollars left and my companion had none. (100 is 3 American dollars). We had no money, so we got on the bus and started for our destination. We went and about 20 minutes later it felt like we had gone too far. We asked the bus driver what stop we were at, we had gone like 2 miles too far. So I beeped my bus card for my companion and I which took all the rest I had. So know we had no money to take another bus. We were just walking down the road thinking about how we could get home on time. Just to add to the drama, on the side of the road was a club, and all we heard from inside was loud music and chug....chug....chug...chug...chug. The great and spacious building right! We just looked at each other as happy as could be, started singing some songs with each other. We were thinking about it, 2 young men, in a foreign country, no money, tired worn out, but as happy as can be. Only on a mission could this be possible. So in order to get home on time we took a taxi. We just had fun with the taxi driver and he much enjoyed it. By the time we got to the home he just said thank you two so much. It was my pleasure. I asked him how much, He said "Bu Yong" Meaning don't worry about it. I felt bad because they don't make a lot of money, and this 100 dollars could have fed his kids, but he insisted. So it was a little blessing in disguise. It was a really fun night, which would only happen on a mission. But after this I decided this month I’m starting to get used to living by a budget. I've started it and it's been going great. It helps me keep track of my money, and I’m a lot more careful in the way that I spend it. It will be a great and necessary habit to learn for home!!
I also ran into a professor from America. I was contacting him and he wanted nothing to do with it. I just kept teaching him to try and give him a chance. He said look you’re young and have no experience I’m studying literature professionally for 40 years. I’m a very sophisticated man, I have no interest in the simple nonsense that you are teaching. Leave me alone. I just said "Sir you know nothing. I know this is true. Would you be willing to try and read the world’s most perfect book, in the Book of Mormon." He stated with a mad face, "No, now leave me alone.” After this experience I was thinking about it, the scripture in Book of Mormon that states the learned will learn all their lives, and be so much into learning and progressing, that they will never end up learning the truth. I also learned the weakness of man. Although he had studied intricately for so long, he had no power. He was weak. He was a man that counted on himself. At this I learned to be learned is good, but to learn to follow the commandment of God and learn the things of Heaven and Earth is BEST!! I love learning, and I know he will never know as much as even Abby knows, because she knows the truth, the most precious thing on earth. It was a great learning experience for me!!!
Also we were teaching one of our investigators Sister Ou Yang. She is a doll, she is amazing. She really wants to learn and know these things are true. She has a really bad habit about bad talking about a classmate with 3 other girls, also about her dad, because he isn't too good to their family. We were meeting with her and teaching her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We got to repentance and I had a thought so strongly as to urge forth my tongue to automatically speak. I asked her (completely off subject), have you felt the answer from the Holy Ghost yet? She said when I’m with you guys yeah, but not on my own yet, she was really sad about this and couldn't figure it out. Then I had the prompting to take her to the 10 commandments. We read "thou shalt not bear false witness" The spirit told her through me, that if you want to get an answer you have to stop this action. You have to follow this commandment. She just started crying, and we had a great discussion on how she could change. She really wants to change, and she knows it's not good, but she just doesn't know how. It was a great lesson, the spirit was present and all of us were edified greatly! I know the spirit is real, and will guide us in all that we do; especially teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and helping God's Sons and Daughters come unto him. It was amazing.
Also last night we had the opportunity to translate at the fireside. It was intense, but fun. I was a little nervous but it actually ended up going OK. The hardest was they showed a clip of President Monson, they already had it translated. I needed to translate for the English people in the audience. It was hard. Because first of all the apostles teach in big terms, and the translation was kind of hard to hear, But I think the Holy Ghost allowed me to get the point across to those English speakers in the audience. It was a great, and very fun experience!!
It was a great week. Filled with the spirit and almost all of our baptismal date investigators progressed and learned more about the gospel. I just would like to finish by saying I know that this gospel is true. I know it because I’ve felt it. I know it and will never deny it. I also know that the only true way of peace, comfort, and happiness in this life is the follow the example of Jesus Christ, and follow his commandments. It's that easy. I know that Satan is real, and he very much takes pleasure of the pain and sorrow of each and every one of us. We need to pound him in the ground, more fully sanctify our lives to the Lord and base all we do off the standards of the Gospel!! I love this gospel, I love the scriptures, I can't believe I didn't read them every day before I came on my mission. I love reading them; they are full of the power of God, and give answers to the soul. This is my short testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you guys so much!!
-Elder Rasmussen
Hey guys!! Once again it was very very nice to hear from you and see that you’re all doing so well. I know that the Lord is looking over my beloved family and taking care of you guys very well. I’m grateful for my Heavenly Father that has promised to look over our families as we serve Him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.
Mom, yes I got the package. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed everything in it. I have yet to drink the chocolate milk because it's warming up in weather right now, but maybe it will flip around and be cold for a while. The weather here is so weird. Yesterday it was perfectly sunny and this morning we woke up to pouring rain. It's funny, so unpredictable.
But this last week was an amazing week for us also. It's great to hear that your guy's week was so good with the business and all. It all just comes down to working smarter than harder. This is one thing that we really worked on this week. As we have done this very thing, the Lord has blessed us with Golden Investigators. This week we got a solid 5 people to church. We have about 7-9 that have solid dates and are progressing toward their dates. Although that may not seem like a ton, we are counting our many blessings. When we first started there was none. It's been a great change in the area, and it's been great to see what we can do with the help and inspiration of the Lord. I just think that is awesome what happened in the business for you guys this week. I know it was the Lord looking over those that follow the commandments. I can also testify that I know if we follow the commandments the Lord is bound to bless us. He wants to bless us; all we have to do is willingly without complaining, or doubt, follow the commandments. It will be OK, and the Lord will provide for you!
This week-
We had a really funny night. We had just gotten done teaching a lesson very far away from our house. So we decided to take a bus because we were running low on time. The problem was though, we were at the end of the month and I only had 100 dollars left and my companion had none. (100 is 3 American dollars). We had no money, so we got on the bus and started for our destination. We went and about 20 minutes later it felt like we had gone too far. We asked the bus driver what stop we were at, we had gone like 2 miles too far. So I beeped my bus card for my companion and I which took all the rest I had. So know we had no money to take another bus. We were just walking down the road thinking about how we could get home on time. Just to add to the drama, on the side of the road was a club, and all we heard from inside was loud music and chug....chug....chug...chug...chug. The great and spacious building right! We just looked at each other as happy as could be, started singing some songs with each other. We were thinking about it, 2 young men, in a foreign country, no money, tired worn out, but as happy as can be. Only on a mission could this be possible. So in order to get home on time we took a taxi. We just had fun with the taxi driver and he much enjoyed it. By the time we got to the home he just said thank you two so much. It was my pleasure. I asked him how much, He said "Bu Yong" Meaning don't worry about it. I felt bad because they don't make a lot of money, and this 100 dollars could have fed his kids, but he insisted. So it was a little blessing in disguise. It was a really fun night, which would only happen on a mission. But after this I decided this month I’m starting to get used to living by a budget. I've started it and it's been going great. It helps me keep track of my money, and I’m a lot more careful in the way that I spend it. It will be a great and necessary habit to learn for home!!
I also ran into a professor from America. I was contacting him and he wanted nothing to do with it. I just kept teaching him to try and give him a chance. He said look you’re young and have no experience I’m studying literature professionally for 40 years. I’m a very sophisticated man, I have no interest in the simple nonsense that you are teaching. Leave me alone. I just said "Sir you know nothing. I know this is true. Would you be willing to try and read the world’s most perfect book, in the Book of Mormon." He stated with a mad face, "No, now leave me alone.” After this experience I was thinking about it, the scripture in Book of Mormon that states the learned will learn all their lives, and be so much into learning and progressing, that they will never end up learning the truth. I also learned the weakness of man. Although he had studied intricately for so long, he had no power. He was weak. He was a man that counted on himself. At this I learned to be learned is good, but to learn to follow the commandment of God and learn the things of Heaven and Earth is BEST!! I love learning, and I know he will never know as much as even Abby knows, because she knows the truth, the most precious thing on earth. It was a great learning experience for me!!!
Also we were teaching one of our investigators Sister Ou Yang. She is a doll, she is amazing. She really wants to learn and know these things are true. She has a really bad habit about bad talking about a classmate with 3 other girls, also about her dad, because he isn't too good to their family. We were meeting with her and teaching her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We got to repentance and I had a thought so strongly as to urge forth my tongue to automatically speak. I asked her (completely off subject), have you felt the answer from the Holy Ghost yet? She said when I’m with you guys yeah, but not on my own yet, she was really sad about this and couldn't figure it out. Then I had the prompting to take her to the 10 commandments. We read "thou shalt not bear false witness" The spirit told her through me, that if you want to get an answer you have to stop this action. You have to follow this commandment. She just started crying, and we had a great discussion on how she could change. She really wants to change, and she knows it's not good, but she just doesn't know how. It was a great lesson, the spirit was present and all of us were edified greatly! I know the spirit is real, and will guide us in all that we do; especially teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and helping God's Sons and Daughters come unto him. It was amazing.
Also last night we had the opportunity to translate at the fireside. It was intense, but fun. I was a little nervous but it actually ended up going OK. The hardest was they showed a clip of President Monson, they already had it translated. I needed to translate for the English people in the audience. It was hard. Because first of all the apostles teach in big terms, and the translation was kind of hard to hear, But I think the Holy Ghost allowed me to get the point across to those English speakers in the audience. It was a great, and very fun experience!!
It was a great week. Filled with the spirit and almost all of our baptismal date investigators progressed and learned more about the gospel. I just would like to finish by saying I know that this gospel is true. I know it because I’ve felt it. I know it and will never deny it. I also know that the only true way of peace, comfort, and happiness in this life is the follow the example of Jesus Christ, and follow his commandments. It's that easy. I know that Satan is real, and he very much takes pleasure of the pain and sorrow of each and every one of us. We need to pound him in the ground, more fully sanctify our lives to the Lord and base all we do off the standards of the Gospel!! I love this gospel, I love the scriptures, I can't believe I didn't read them every day before I came on my mission. I love reading them; they are full of the power of God, and give answers to the soul. This is my short testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you guys so much!!
-Elder Rasmussen
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Have you Read it Before?
Family,
I just love hearing from you guys. Sounds like things are going great and moving along just fine. Thank you mom for the update on each kid, I love hearing about their lives and the things going on! Thank you! But.... it's so weird time is flying by. I don't even know what to do. Now I’m only down to 5 months. The days just go by faster and faster. I mean I’m excited to come home and see each and every one of you, but I’m going to miss this amazing experience. I just love seeing the change in people’s eyes as they live the gospel. It truly changes lives, But only if we will allow it to. It's changed my life! I may have a long way to go until perfection but I know that's where I’m headed and that's my goal, and I’m not stopping until I get there which is to live eternally with my Father In Heaven and Family Members. Because Salvation is a personal thing, I would strongly encourage everyone to get into the Book of Mormon, Read it every single day without fail. No matter how tired or busy, read it every day, pray every day sincerely, talk with Heavenly Father let Him guide you through the Holy Ghost. Also gain personal testimonies. I desire so much to live with each of you forever, but each of us independent of any other person must do our own part to qualify for eternal life. Please learn the stories of prophets of old, know the scriptures. Don't just read as a family but feast as a family. Love the word of God, Crave to read the word of God, and I promise you with all my heart your life will be filled with love, and the guidance of God. I love my scriptures. I love diving into them each and every morning. Every time I do so I get a spiritual confirmation that the things I’m reading are true. I'd invite each of you to gain a love for the scriptures. Especially you Josh and Cade, because a very important thing is coming up, called a MISSION. It's the most important thing you can do in life right now. So prepare for it and made it the best thing ever. I wish I would have prepared, instead of messing around having "fun". I didn't realize what true happiness and fun was until I came to Taiwan. This is life! This is true love and happiness found nowhere else but in the gospel. So I would plead that you start to truly prepare. Make prayer more like you are truly communicating with God because you are! Read His word and be edified.
Anyway.... my week!
First I would like to share an experience that happened while contacting on the street the other day. I was contacting and went up to this one lady, she stated that "I am already a member". I said "really what church?" She then replied "Catholic." I was like "OK, we are sharing a very important message. The heavens are opened and God speaks to us today. Evidence is here in the Book of Mormon. Have you seen this book before?" She replied "Yeah I've heard of it." "Have you read it," I asked. "No I can't," she stated. After hearing this I thought to myself for a minute what she meant by no I can't. So I asked her "why can't you read it?" She then said, "because it is evil." haha I just looked at her with awe with a smirk on my face, I pleasingly asked her, "How do you know it's evil if you've never read it?" She then stated, "because my minister says so." At this time I was just like OK, that is kind of ridiculous just because your priest guy says it you believe it. (Let me take a little detour here for a minute. Right now I’m a little frustrated with Christians. They all say this and that about our church but know nothing. Satan has them wrapped around his fingers. They truly are the great whore of all the earth. Almost every one of our investigator is being affected by friend who are saying false and ridiculous things about our religion. I hate Satan, I’m so sick of people just thinking this church is evil and not Christian, when not one of them has ever even really learned about the church at all.) OK. She then said "Yeah your church was created by Mormon. When he created the church he built up a huge palace and had lots of wives' and made everyone is servant so he didn't have to work." I laughed very sarcastically. I just said "where did you hear that one" "my minister" she said. Then I was like yeah, and the world was supposed to end in 2000 right? I denounced everything she said, Hit her with the words of the Book of Mormon. Told her that not one of those so called priests was called of God, and they have never read the Book of Mormon with the intent of knowing its validity. They don't know a thing. I then told her that my 7 year old sister had more knowledge then those priests. I testified of the Book of Mormon and that this church is the only true and living church on the face of the planet. I told her if she was willing to read the book and pray she could also know that it is truth and the only truth at that. She was then like "well I have to go back and ask my minister" I replied "You can do so, but he will immediately tell you not to read it and that it's false, because his understanding of the truth of God is nothing. So if you want you can ask him but I know he'll say no. I invite you to create a relationship with your Heavenly Father. To prayer to Him and ask him if these things are true. I know he'll give you an answer. You won't gain anything from your minister. You can only learn of truths from God." She said she was willing, and also took the Book of Mormon to read, she also set up for 2 days later. Well 2 days later we were preparing for her lesson in studies, She called and said "I can't meet today" I immediately stated "you talked to your minister didn't you" She said "yeah, and my husband. They want me to be a missionary for the church, and they said that if I read the Book of Mormon I will lose faith and won’t be able to be a missionary". (Really cool was In personal study I read a passage of scripture about there being only one truth and how it was founded since the beginning of time, and for some reason in personal study I had the feeling to look it up in Chinese) As she said this I had a thought come into my mind "PERSONAL STUDY" So I told her "I have a scripture that I need to share with you" I got it out and read it to her, testified that it's the only true road that any other road will not get you anywhere. We ended the conversation and we went back to planning. I had an overwhelming sense of Sadness for her soul, but a sense of fulfilling my calling as a servant of God. It's sad that Satan had blinded her by the craftiness of Man, but hopefully she will later also have a chance to accept this wonderful perfect gospel. But I am really tired of Christians, they are so blinded, and know nothing, but proclaim to know everything.
Also one night I ran into a minister on the street. He was white, you could just feel him tense up the second I said Hi. He said to me, "ask me any question, I know it all"! I asked "Is the Book of Mormon True" He said "NO" I then said "Sir, You don't know anything". I taught him about it but he didn't want anything to do with it. I then asked him "have you ever read the book" He said "no". I said "are you willing" He then stated to end the conversation "No". Have a nice day I replied as I contacted the next soul I saw.
Another....... I contacted a Jehovah's Witness on the street the other day. They extremely dislike our church. Well I told him that the Book of Mormon is true. He was just stuck on the bible though; he wouldn't have anything about the Book of Mormon. He just kept walking and I followed closely by his side, step by step just trying to teach him. Finally I had enough, I Said "Sir, You know that the Bible Tells us about the Book of Mormon coming to past" He was like "No it doesn't say that anywhere" "Yeah it does" I said. Then he stopped, looked at me and said "OK prove it" I then said "ok but first do you believe the Bible is true and what is says is true" He said "yes" Then I pulled out the bible that I carry around know because of all the Christian's. I gave him the bible and I held the Book of Mormon. I asked him to go to Ezekiel 37: 15-17. Then I went to 2 Nephi 3:12(I think that's right, if it's not I had the spirit bring it to remembrance while contacting him). In the Bible it’s the Lord telling Judah that he needs to write and join his record with Joseph. In 2 Nephi it's the Lord talking to the descendants of Joseph to join with Judah and Get rid of False Doctrine. He just looked up at me and started quivering, (Literally) Then just stated I have to go, He just Left. As he ran away I asked him if he's willing to meet the True Church of Jesus Christ, and Read the Book of Mormon. He just waved at me. Once again I had a sense of fulfilling my calling and doing what they Lord would have had me do. It's just sad that they are so hard hearted, and blinded by false truths. If they would only be willing to read the Book and prayer they could also know that it's true. So easy, yet so difficult for them to do, because Satan is twirling them around his fingers watching from hell planning the next thing he's going to try and do to the church. But the amazing this is, Satan will never win. Never means never. God will always come out victorious, and we are on the winning side. What a wonderful calling we have to bring to past the immortality and eternal life of man, and disrupt the evil plan of Satan. I love this calling.
Another..... I ran into a Buddhist that says he worships Idols to receive peace in his heart. I asked him if it worked. He said" I think so". I then told him, let me teach you truth. I taught him the truth of prayer and Heavenly Father. We prayed in middle of the street together. I looked at him and he looked at me stating "I really do feel something" with joy and peace in his heart. I bore testimony about the reality of the Father and the Holy Ghost. He said lately he has been running into lots of problems and He hasn't known how to overcome them. I taught him about Baptism and how it will change his life and allow him to have a new start, and receive the guidance and help of the Lord. He was so excited, also setting a date to be baptized. What an amazing experience that I was able to be a part of. I know that on the face of the planet only one truth exists. All Church's are good (for the most part) and all teach us to do good things. But we are teaching more than that. We are teaching to become perfect, even as our Father in Heaven Is perfect. To become a God! You don't find that anywhere else, and if you do there is not road or path to get there. But because God loves us he has given us the path, and the way. It's laid out so plain that we just have to walk and we will get there. I’m so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that has laid out the path, and has allowed each of us to find it. Now we just need to help others find it and receive of this path’s blessings. I know this is true, I love this gospel, and I also know that without it we are nothing. We go nowhere, do nothing, and achieve squat. Jesus Christ is the one and only way! It has to be done through his restored gospel not some knock off Christian church. This is the only true Church!
We have one investigator Grace, Sister Wei. Once her friends found out that she was coming to our church. They have been sending people from their churches to find her and try and get her to stop coming. Among other things, It's a battle. Truly a battle of Truth and False. Good and Bad. Righteous and Evil. We are just trying to so hard to allow them to have spiritual experiences so they can lean on the testimony that they have felt. It's hard and it's overwhelming sometimes, in the things you hear happen and among other things. But we just keep moving forward knowing that the Lord is preparing many and it's our job to find them and help them receive the blessings of the gospel.
I know that these things are true. I know it because I've prayed to the Father in the Name of Christ and have received a spiritual witness more then I can use words to explain, that these things are true. They have changed my life, and allowed me to have peace, happiness, and hope. Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of God. The resurrected being who has saved each and every one of us from Sin and Death. He is my rock and salvation. I know in and through Him I will receive Eternal Life. This is the testimony of my heart. In his name even Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you so much Family, Thank you for all that you do! I love hearing from you guys.
Love- Elder Rasmussen
PS: Next week it will be on Monday again. Just this week was changed around because of Temple day.
Thanks for the update on the business, continuous updates are nice, I love reading about how it's going.
Thank you All, peace be unto you!
I just love hearing from you guys. Sounds like things are going great and moving along just fine. Thank you mom for the update on each kid, I love hearing about their lives and the things going on! Thank you! But.... it's so weird time is flying by. I don't even know what to do. Now I’m only down to 5 months. The days just go by faster and faster. I mean I’m excited to come home and see each and every one of you, but I’m going to miss this amazing experience. I just love seeing the change in people’s eyes as they live the gospel. It truly changes lives, But only if we will allow it to. It's changed my life! I may have a long way to go until perfection but I know that's where I’m headed and that's my goal, and I’m not stopping until I get there which is to live eternally with my Father In Heaven and Family Members. Because Salvation is a personal thing, I would strongly encourage everyone to get into the Book of Mormon, Read it every single day without fail. No matter how tired or busy, read it every day, pray every day sincerely, talk with Heavenly Father let Him guide you through the Holy Ghost. Also gain personal testimonies. I desire so much to live with each of you forever, but each of us independent of any other person must do our own part to qualify for eternal life. Please learn the stories of prophets of old, know the scriptures. Don't just read as a family but feast as a family. Love the word of God, Crave to read the word of God, and I promise you with all my heart your life will be filled with love, and the guidance of God. I love my scriptures. I love diving into them each and every morning. Every time I do so I get a spiritual confirmation that the things I’m reading are true. I'd invite each of you to gain a love for the scriptures. Especially you Josh and Cade, because a very important thing is coming up, called a MISSION. It's the most important thing you can do in life right now. So prepare for it and made it the best thing ever. I wish I would have prepared, instead of messing around having "fun". I didn't realize what true happiness and fun was until I came to Taiwan. This is life! This is true love and happiness found nowhere else but in the gospel. So I would plead that you start to truly prepare. Make prayer more like you are truly communicating with God because you are! Read His word and be edified.
Anyway.... my week!
First I would like to share an experience that happened while contacting on the street the other day. I was contacting and went up to this one lady, she stated that "I am already a member". I said "really what church?" She then replied "Catholic." I was like "OK, we are sharing a very important message. The heavens are opened and God speaks to us today. Evidence is here in the Book of Mormon. Have you seen this book before?" She replied "Yeah I've heard of it." "Have you read it," I asked. "No I can't," she stated. After hearing this I thought to myself for a minute what she meant by no I can't. So I asked her "why can't you read it?" She then said, "because it is evil." haha I just looked at her with awe with a smirk on my face, I pleasingly asked her, "How do you know it's evil if you've never read it?" She then stated, "because my minister says so." At this time I was just like OK, that is kind of ridiculous just because your priest guy says it you believe it. (Let me take a little detour here for a minute. Right now I’m a little frustrated with Christians. They all say this and that about our church but know nothing. Satan has them wrapped around his fingers. They truly are the great whore of all the earth. Almost every one of our investigator is being affected by friend who are saying false and ridiculous things about our religion. I hate Satan, I’m so sick of people just thinking this church is evil and not Christian, when not one of them has ever even really learned about the church at all.) OK. She then said "Yeah your church was created by Mormon. When he created the church he built up a huge palace and had lots of wives' and made everyone is servant so he didn't have to work." I laughed very sarcastically. I just said "where did you hear that one" "my minister" she said. Then I was like yeah, and the world was supposed to end in 2000 right? I denounced everything she said, Hit her with the words of the Book of Mormon. Told her that not one of those so called priests was called of God, and they have never read the Book of Mormon with the intent of knowing its validity. They don't know a thing. I then told her that my 7 year old sister had more knowledge then those priests. I testified of the Book of Mormon and that this church is the only true and living church on the face of the planet. I told her if she was willing to read the book and pray she could also know that it is truth and the only truth at that. She was then like "well I have to go back and ask my minister" I replied "You can do so, but he will immediately tell you not to read it and that it's false, because his understanding of the truth of God is nothing. So if you want you can ask him but I know he'll say no. I invite you to create a relationship with your Heavenly Father. To prayer to Him and ask him if these things are true. I know he'll give you an answer. You won't gain anything from your minister. You can only learn of truths from God." She said she was willing, and also took the Book of Mormon to read, she also set up for 2 days later. Well 2 days later we were preparing for her lesson in studies, She called and said "I can't meet today" I immediately stated "you talked to your minister didn't you" She said "yeah, and my husband. They want me to be a missionary for the church, and they said that if I read the Book of Mormon I will lose faith and won’t be able to be a missionary". (Really cool was In personal study I read a passage of scripture about there being only one truth and how it was founded since the beginning of time, and for some reason in personal study I had the feeling to look it up in Chinese) As she said this I had a thought come into my mind "PERSONAL STUDY" So I told her "I have a scripture that I need to share with you" I got it out and read it to her, testified that it's the only true road that any other road will not get you anywhere. We ended the conversation and we went back to planning. I had an overwhelming sense of Sadness for her soul, but a sense of fulfilling my calling as a servant of God. It's sad that Satan had blinded her by the craftiness of Man, but hopefully she will later also have a chance to accept this wonderful perfect gospel. But I am really tired of Christians, they are so blinded, and know nothing, but proclaim to know everything.
Also one night I ran into a minister on the street. He was white, you could just feel him tense up the second I said Hi. He said to me, "ask me any question, I know it all"! I asked "Is the Book of Mormon True" He said "NO" I then said "Sir, You don't know anything". I taught him about it but he didn't want anything to do with it. I then asked him "have you ever read the book" He said "no". I said "are you willing" He then stated to end the conversation "No". Have a nice day I replied as I contacted the next soul I saw.
Another....... I contacted a Jehovah's Witness on the street the other day. They extremely dislike our church. Well I told him that the Book of Mormon is true. He was just stuck on the bible though; he wouldn't have anything about the Book of Mormon. He just kept walking and I followed closely by his side, step by step just trying to teach him. Finally I had enough, I Said "Sir, You know that the Bible Tells us about the Book of Mormon coming to past" He was like "No it doesn't say that anywhere" "Yeah it does" I said. Then he stopped, looked at me and said "OK prove it" I then said "ok but first do you believe the Bible is true and what is says is true" He said "yes" Then I pulled out the bible that I carry around know because of all the Christian's. I gave him the bible and I held the Book of Mormon. I asked him to go to Ezekiel 37: 15-17. Then I went to 2 Nephi 3:12(I think that's right, if it's not I had the spirit bring it to remembrance while contacting him). In the Bible it’s the Lord telling Judah that he needs to write and join his record with Joseph. In 2 Nephi it's the Lord talking to the descendants of Joseph to join with Judah and Get rid of False Doctrine. He just looked up at me and started quivering, (Literally) Then just stated I have to go, He just Left. As he ran away I asked him if he's willing to meet the True Church of Jesus Christ, and Read the Book of Mormon. He just waved at me. Once again I had a sense of fulfilling my calling and doing what they Lord would have had me do. It's just sad that they are so hard hearted, and blinded by false truths. If they would only be willing to read the Book and prayer they could also know that it's true. So easy, yet so difficult for them to do, because Satan is twirling them around his fingers watching from hell planning the next thing he's going to try and do to the church. But the amazing this is, Satan will never win. Never means never. God will always come out victorious, and we are on the winning side. What a wonderful calling we have to bring to past the immortality and eternal life of man, and disrupt the evil plan of Satan. I love this calling.
Another..... I ran into a Buddhist that says he worships Idols to receive peace in his heart. I asked him if it worked. He said" I think so". I then told him, let me teach you truth. I taught him the truth of prayer and Heavenly Father. We prayed in middle of the street together. I looked at him and he looked at me stating "I really do feel something" with joy and peace in his heart. I bore testimony about the reality of the Father and the Holy Ghost. He said lately he has been running into lots of problems and He hasn't known how to overcome them. I taught him about Baptism and how it will change his life and allow him to have a new start, and receive the guidance and help of the Lord. He was so excited, also setting a date to be baptized. What an amazing experience that I was able to be a part of. I know that on the face of the planet only one truth exists. All Church's are good (for the most part) and all teach us to do good things. But we are teaching more than that. We are teaching to become perfect, even as our Father in Heaven Is perfect. To become a God! You don't find that anywhere else, and if you do there is not road or path to get there. But because God loves us he has given us the path, and the way. It's laid out so plain that we just have to walk and we will get there. I’m so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that has laid out the path, and has allowed each of us to find it. Now we just need to help others find it and receive of this path’s blessings. I know this is true, I love this gospel, and I also know that without it we are nothing. We go nowhere, do nothing, and achieve squat. Jesus Christ is the one and only way! It has to be done through his restored gospel not some knock off Christian church. This is the only true Church!
We have one investigator Grace, Sister Wei. Once her friends found out that she was coming to our church. They have been sending people from their churches to find her and try and get her to stop coming. Among other things, It's a battle. Truly a battle of Truth and False. Good and Bad. Righteous and Evil. We are just trying to so hard to allow them to have spiritual experiences so they can lean on the testimony that they have felt. It's hard and it's overwhelming sometimes, in the things you hear happen and among other things. But we just keep moving forward knowing that the Lord is preparing many and it's our job to find them and help them receive the blessings of the gospel.
I know that these things are true. I know it because I've prayed to the Father in the Name of Christ and have received a spiritual witness more then I can use words to explain, that these things are true. They have changed my life, and allowed me to have peace, happiness, and hope. Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of God. The resurrected being who has saved each and every one of us from Sin and Death. He is my rock and salvation. I know in and through Him I will receive Eternal Life. This is the testimony of my heart. In his name even Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you so much Family, Thank you for all that you do! I love hearing from you guys.
Love- Elder Rasmussen
PS: Next week it will be on Monday again. Just this week was changed around because of Temple day.
Thanks for the update on the business, continuous updates are nice, I love reading about how it's going.
Thank you All, peace be unto you!
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