6.17.13

HELLO HELLO HELLOOOOO!!!!

 

This week, I realized that in order to help others, I must help myself.  I must personally be changed, happy, patient, loving, charitable, and hard working before I can actually help others.  As missionaries, we don't EARN baptisms, lessons, referrals, ANYTHING.  We don't have that right to say we earn anything.  We can't say that just because we were strictly obedient, hard working, patient, loving, selfless, etc. that we deserve a baptism.  We don't have that right to question the Lord for not giving us our desired results.  Although that sounds harsh, I've learned that it's actually a happy realization.  I've learned that God is in COMPLETE/ENTIRE control over what happens here in our lives.  I learned that we can't make anyone do anything.  We can't change other people's thoughts or actions.  The only person we CAN change is ourselves.

 

Vicky shared with me something really cool in her email.  She said that if we as missionaries aren't changing all the time, then we are doing something wrong.  AMEN TO THAT.  I love that change can ALWAYS be a positive thing.  I HAVE changed as a missionary/person/daughter of God.  The circumstances and situations we are placed in as missionaries are all for our profit and learning, and I find so much happiness/peace in that.  I LOVE trials.  In the moment, they are hard and they cause a lot of hurt/sadness, but in the end, we come out stronger, happier, closer to God.  I PRAY for trials! :)

ANYWAY, this week was full of miracles!

This month, we had fasted for this recent convert little girl, Jiang Yi Hua, who did not show up for her confirmation.  Her family just stopped coming to church, and we later learned that her father Brother Jiang "fandui"ed and was very antagonistic towards our church. 

We had visited, called, left paper cranes, and wrote letters for this family every day without a single hint of response or acknowledgement.  Last week, we were considering dropping this family because they haven't been answering our phones, letters, or visits for about a month.  Yesterday night, I felt a prompting to go in a certain direction.  It happened to be where this family lived, right across Costco! We biked over to their apartment, expecting the normal response (the family not letting us in); HOWEVER, when we got there and walked in to ask the doorman to help us call this family, we saw Brother Jiang! He was sitting in the lobby, smoking a cigarette. His response to us arriving was unexpected.
He invited us to talk with him and told us that his day hadn't been going very well. He had just come down to the first level for some air and time to himself when we walked in.  It was a miracle. I know that the Lord answers our fast and prayers in His own time and way.  Brother Jiang expressed how touched he was to see our perserverance in writing letters and making calls even though he didn't respond for days and days and DAYS (seriously, it was SO LONG).  He even said that next time, we could teach his daughter how to make paper cranes!! YES!

 

It was amazing becuase I had been having some doubts in our prayers/fast for this family.  We hadn't seen any immediate results from our efforts, and I was SO impatient.  I've learned that God does answer our prayers.  I am SO happy to actually know how to feel and act upon Spiritual promptings.  Before, I was uncertain to what the Holy Ghost even felt like.  Now, I feel it working in my life so clearly.  I LOVE THE SPIRIT!

 

Anyway, there are countless miracles that happened this week, and I can't include them all in one email, so I just included the ones that had the most impact in my life.

 

Whenever I email Sister Ashley Smith or other missionaries, I am touched by their miracle stories. This is part of Sister Smith's email to me last week:

 

"Sister Peterson and I went to visit our fishing family again this past week. The mother was not able to be there but she said we could come teach her daughter and mother-in-law. When we showed up, the little girl -- Rin chan -- came up and attacked Sister Peterson and I with hugs and then proudly told us that 5 of her friends from school were coming to listen to us talk about Jesus. She is the sweetest 8 year old girl ever! It was unreal. There we were. 2 missionaries, surrounded by a hoard of 8 year old children begging us to tell them about Jesus and God and Joseph Smith. Things that are only dreamed about by most missionaries! We went inside the house and Rin immediately pulled out her Book of Mormon and notebook where she showed us how she had copied down Alma 37:37 -- a scripture we emailed to them this past week. Her eyes twinkled as she told us about how excited she was to learn more. We decided to show The Restoration DVD to these 6 children. Throughout the movie, something the kids would get a little loud, but as soon as the first vision began, they all went silent. Then, even though Rin had never heard the song "Joseph Smith's First Prayer," she began humming along to it as if she had known it her whole life. Sister Peterson and I sat in disbelief -- perhaps wondering if it was a figment of our imaginations. It was not. After the movie, she began humming it to herself again. We cannot explain how this happened, only that it did. She then proceeded to show the Book of Mormon to her friends. We gave away 3 copies. They have been well prepared by the Lord. How blessed Sister Peterson and I are to be able to teach this family. It's very humbling to be in a room with 6 children huddled around us and learning of the Savior and our Father in Heaven. They live 1 hour away by car from our apartment and one of the members is so kind to drive us there every week. It's the greatest drive out there and then so unreal to think about what happened in the lesson on the way back after we are done. We have another appointment with them on Thursday and we will probably teach about the Plan of Salvation. Very exciting.

 

ahhhh well, that was it. miracles! how's your miracle book going? mine is getting fuller! love you Verina Chen! take care this week and good luck!"

Isn't it wonderful that all these people are being helped/found in the world?! This week, we got a new investigator named Zhen Yi Lu.  She is a member referral and has already read to 2 Nephi 4 in a week.  She is amazing and has come to FHE, sacrament, and a baptism.  She is so patient and so prepared.  It reminded me of how I didn't do anything to deserve her! God is so merciful, and He really is in control of everything in our lives.  It brings so much peace to know that!

 

Also, last week, we went to an awesome place to take pictures on P-Day.  We walked with Chen Mama (A really old member in our ward) around Liancitang, the most beautiful lake, and sung hymns for her.  Everyday, we associate with countless people, and we bring so much joy to their lives.  I really have learned to be grateful for all the small and simple things I have here on the mission.

 

There are so many thing that I want to say and include in my emails, but it's really too much!! I love the mission.  I'm incredibly happy, and everyday, I am developing more and more charity.  I love the Lord. I have promised to serve Him all my life, and I know this church is true!!!!! Keep up the smiles, support, and LOVE.

HAVE A SPLENDID WEEK!!!

 

Do something good for someone else!

 

Love,

Sister Verina Chen

6.10.2013

Dear Family and Friends,

 

This week was so wonderful! I can't believe it's already P-Day.  Time goes by so quickly! Can you believe I've already been in Taiwan for 4 weeks?!

 

Alright, here are some of the highlights of this week:

 

Wednesday, I had mangoes, salad, and "Gala" for breakfast.  It was so healthy and delicious.  Seriously, I think one of my favorite things over here is how sweet and big the mangoes are!! I'll attach a picture so you can see what I mean!! - I LOVE shopping for food.  Everything is so cheap and healthy.  YUM. :)  That night, Sister Lai and I taught the little children at English class, but Sister Lai was gone most of the time, so I was teaching solo!!! There were actually a ton of people that showed up that night, and we were super excited because we saw a lot of new faces.  About 15 kids and their parents attended, and they all seemed like they enjoyed the class.  At the end, we taught them all how to pray.  I LOVE English class. It's one of the greatest tools to find over here in Taiwan. 

 

Thursday was Zone Conference! President and Sister Bishop are leaving this month, and President and Sister Blickenstaff are coming in on the 26th... ba... I'm not really sure.  Anyway, it was really great! I was able to see Sister Ting and Sister Tsoi.  They both are doing so well. :)  Something that I love that President Bishop shared is how through small and simple things are great things brought to pass.  (Alma 37:6,7) I've learned that everything is built off of the small and simple things: music, the way God answers our prayers, homes, families, paintings, art, etc.  Everything is built off of small and simple things!! Isn't it wonderful?!  Also, D&C 64:33 is an awesome scripture.

 

I feel like I've changed in so many ways, yet I'm still the same person.  One of the principles that I'm trying to grasp is just relying completely and entirely on the Lord.  Alma 36:27: "I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in Him, and He will still deliver me." I love that scripture because it really can be applied to everyone in this life.  No matter the trial or affliction, we may always be guaranteed success either in this life or the life to come IF we rely on the Lord.  So, I've made a goal this week to be worthy, diligent, and obedient to the Lord's commandments.  WE MUST BE LIKE NEPHI!!! YEAH!  What a man!

 

On Friday, I had salad, eggs, mangoes, and kiwi for breakfast.  It was soooo delicious.  Plus, Sister Lai and I go running every morning.  She's getting thinner and thinner!!! :) YEAH! She said that out of all her companions, I'm the fastest/healthiest one because I overlap her every morning.  - Yeah, I'm really humble. 

 

Anyway, we gave a lot of paper cranes out that day (along with the other pass-along materials).  We've also been updating the area book and using the new map to find all the Less-actives in our ward.  It's pretty busy work because we have to bike to each of the less-actives homes and verify if they still live there or have moved.  As for the area book, there are a lot of former investigators, but previous missionaries haven't explained why the missionaries stopped meeting with them.  We've been praying and praying to be able to find new, prepared investigators who will accept the gospel.  Our zone leaders promised that if we are obedient and work hard, we will be capable of having a baptism every month.  So far, none of our new investigators seem to have a desire to be baptized, so we've been praying and praying for opportunities to find new people.  We've also been working hard to talk with everyone, even if it is just a quick hello or compliment.  I know that the Lord will help us find a prepared investigator for us at the right time.

 

On Saturday, I had toast, gala, oatmeal cereal, and water for breakfast.  It started raining in the morning, so I was really happy, but the rest of the day was SO HOT.  Everyone thinks we are crazy for being outside during the day.  Every night, I update the area book.  It's probably one of my favorite things to do.  Sister Lai and I are also taking pictures of all the investigators, Recent converts, and less-actives so we can print them out and staple them to each individual's teaching record for future missionaries.  It's been great because we both are super organized.  We aren't letting anyone slip through the crackes over here in Zuoying!! HAHAHAHAHA!!! MWAHAHAHA!!

 

Sunday was incredible.  There was a less-active that showed up at church out of the blue, and no one in the ward recognized her because she hasn't been to church for THAT LONG.  Anyway, I sat by here during second and third hour.  In relief society, we learned about how our wills should be in subjection to the will of the Father.  "We should bring our wills into subjection to the will of the Father, and feel to say, what is the will of our father, whom we are here in the world to serve? Then every act that we perform will be a success." Christ said, "I seek not my own will but the will of the Father." I love that the Lord promises us success if we submit to His will.  "We may not see its success today or tomorrow; nevertheless, it will result in success."

 

Coming on a mission has brought out a lot of my weakness and strengths.  Sometimes I feel inadequate to serve the people here, whether it be because of the language, appearance, or other factors.  In exodus 4:10, we learn that Moses felt inadequate: "Moses said unto the Lord. O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore nor since thou has spoken unto they servant, but I am slow of speech and of a slow tongue." <-- That is exactly how I was feeling for a little while last week. I felt like Moses when he said, "Who am I that I should be sent forth to accomplish this great work - for it is impossible that it can be accomplished by any such ability that I possess." - BUT The Lord replies very simply by saying, "I knew you before I formed you in the belly." 

 

I know that the Lord really "does very different from the doings of men. He works differently."  1 Corinthians 1:25-27 says, "You are called.  It is not the wise that are called, but God has called the foolish to confound those which are wise."  I LOVE that.  "YOU ARE CALLED." We are called for reasons only God knows, and we need not fear.  All He asks of us is to TRUST Him.  I've learned and am still learning to accept the fact that I in myself am powerless, but with the help of God, I can do many great works. 

 

Like Christ, I have that desire to act in and through the name of the Lord, by HIS wisdom, HIS intelligence, and HIS mercy.  I know that as I come to grasp this, He will make my weaknesses strengths. 

 

Everyday, there are millions of people who go through trials that cause heartache, suffering, etc.  I know that the Lord IS merciful.  He LIVES and LOVES us so much, and I am so determined to be an instrument in His hands to bring one sould to repentance. 

 

I love the gospel so much, and I know it's true.  Sorry I didn't make any shoutouts this week.  I just had so much to share and am so excited to learn more and more every day.  :)

 

Love you all so much!

 

Hope you enjoy the pictures!!!

 

MUCH LOVE,

Sister Verina Chen

6/3/2013

Hey family and friends!! 

  

Anyway, this week was great! We saw a lot of miracles, and we met these amazing investigators: a  Dad and his daughter.  They came to the church to ask about the free English class and then started to ask questions about mission work and why we dedicate a year and a half to serve people we don't even know.  So, we invited them to learn more about our church, and they agreed.  We taught the first lesson right there, and they came to church yesterday.  They are amazing, and they learn so quickly.  I feel like my trust in God is growing.  It's so important to trust in His will and His own time. 

 

We contacted a lot this week on the street.  Sister Lai and I prepared little handouts with short testimonies stapled to paper cranes that I made for people on the street.  We hand them out to everyone we talk to.  It's a great icebreaker, especially if there are little kids.  They LOVE paper cranes, and I love making paper cranes, so it's a great match.

 

English class is awesome.  We teach the little kids, and although it's hard to get their attention, I have grown to love it.  The kids are so cute, and they love the missionaries! Yesterday, there was another woman who came to the church to find out more about the English class.  Her six year old daughter is coming this Wednesday.  Anyway, we had contacted them the day before on the street and given them little paper cranes.  They recognized us when they saw us at the church, but we didn't recognize them because we run into so many people on the street.  Anyway, long story made short, they are interested in English class, are potential investigators, and are coming on Wednesday night!!! :)

 

Today, we got a call from a recent convert around 7 a.m. She was hysterical and in tears, so we quickly got permission from the district leaders to go and visit her.  When we got to her house, we listened to her problems, comforted her, gave her a lot of hugs, made her breakfast, sang her hymns, did her hair and makeup, and brought her out to email with us.  She's sitting next to me right now!! I have learned that God will always provide opportunities for us to help other people.  Although I am not fluent in Chinese, and I have so much to learn, I know that He will always help me to love and serve the people in other ways, besides the language.  

 

That's why it's so important to ACT.  Actions really do speak louder than words.  I couldn't really comfort her through words, but I made her breakfast, did her hair and makeup, and gave her lots of hugs.  I know that God puts certain people in our paths because He knows that we are able to help them, and they are able to help us, too!! :)

 

Anyway, I'm so excited to continue serving the Lord.  I have learned so much... I have also eaten a lot - a lot of delicious food!!!  I also eat bing like every other day.  It's so good. 

 

I know that God gives us trials because He knows we can handle them.  Whenever we run into hardship or affliction, I know that if we put our trust in Him, He will reward us and help us when the time is right. 

 

Alright! Time for pictures!!! :)

 

These first two are from last week on P-day.  We went to Hai-bian.  We found a pink building and decided to take a fun picture in front of it.  Also, I bought a farmer's hat because it was soooo hot.  Everyone kept making fun of me because only farmers wear those hats over here... haha

 

Love you all so much! :)

 

ETTE (ENDURE TO THE END)

-Sister Verina Chen