Dear Family,
I love you all. I have limited time today. I love you all very much. This week has been hard again but we do have a former investigator that we went and saw this past week. He told us he was still praying and he made the decision to come to church by himself even though I am sure that his daughter is probably against it. It was so good to see him again and I hope that we will work with him soon. He is ready and waiting. I love you all and I know that this gospel can change our lives and build us to be people we never knew was possible. Just look at Joseph of Egypt. He was faithful and became a Pharoah. I love you all. This gospel is true in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sincerely,
Elder Christensen
My wonderful, loving Family,
I was able to take a little more time today. Yesterday was pretty hectic and we had to run within 10 mins so now I have about 30 to share more. I love you all. After I wrote to you about my guitar strings I was able to then read that you all actually went and bought the strings I am using now :) I am glad that you learned your lessons about being prepared ;)
We haven't been able to get a hold of Justin again this week and he didn't come to church on Sunday. But, Heavenly Father has blessed us. When I was in a companionship of 3 we had an investigator named Zhang Hui who we worked to help. His daughter is pretty strong in another church and when we would meet with Zhang Hui his daughter would usually be there. It was hard to know and understand him because he would work off of what his daughter was teaching him. She would say that Zhang Hui is doing well in really getting to know his Savior Jesus Christ. Also, she would make sure that he said "what he was supposed to say" at least that is what it felt like. So we eventually stopped meeting with them. He got a job at a chinese market here and he stopped coming to church because of it. Then about a week ago we went to his work to say hi. He was excited to see us and asked about my companion who was transferred named Elder Lee. Also, he said that he is still praying! It just popped up out of nowhere. I was excited when I heard that, but we had to leave. A few days later he called and talked with my companion again. I didn't think to ask what they talked about. This Sunday Zhang Hui also decided that before he went to work he would come to Sacrament Meeting and then go. My heart swelled with joy to be able to see him at church again. After the meeting we talked with him for a little while and asked about how he had been and what brought him back to church. He said that when he is in church he feels peace and calm and he likes to see us. I thought to myself that I should ask Zhang Hui to be baptized. Unfortunately I supressed the thought... During district meeting today as we role played I tried acting like Zhang Hui and found that I was very receptive to the things that were taught to me and thoughts kept running through my mind of baptism. I can't wait to be able to speak with Zhang Hui again and invite him to make this commitment with his Heavenly Father. I know that this gospel is true and that we can receive revelation for those over whom we preside and have been appointed by the authority of God. I am so grateful I can be on a mission now and for the things I am learning.
I have learned so much from the training that we have received over the past couple of weeks. What I learned this morning was precious and I also as I tried to teach I was able to apply something I learned just a little while ago about how to teach. In chapter 10 of preach my gospel are some great points about how to teach and I have learned more about how these are to be applied. First, we must open with prayer and get to know the investigator. (Talk about their lives and things that are not too personal.) Second, we must Listen to that which is said by the investigator. (This will bring forth the thoughts of those we teach along with their concerns.) Third, we testify of the points of true doctrine that they speak of. (As we listen the Spirit will "bring forth out of obscurity" the truths that the investigators are striving to describe.) Fourth, we teach and expound on those things that ring true to the investigator and strive to resolve their concerns. (Through the direction of the spirit.) Fifth, we ask questions that help us to know how the investigator feels. (This will also bring out more concerns and truths that you may testify of.) Sixth, we rotate through steps 2-5 until our time is finished. I had an experience with this sort of teaching during today's district meeting and I felt the spirit more strongly in my teaching and felt the investigator really open up and feel comfortable. Just as the bible has had many plain and precious things taken out of it. The teachings of this world have small truths that are surounded by lies. The Book of Mormon reveals those plain and precious truths that are lost and that is what we as missionaries must do in the lives of others. Help them to remove the lies and show them the truths. I know that this gospel is true. I know that God lives and loves us. I know that Jesus is the Christ in His holy name, Amen.
Sincerely,
Elder Christensen
