Sister Barden from Taiwan March 3, 2013 

Hello Family! 

 

Miracles! We had a great week. This week at church, a mother who has attended the JinHua ward for three weeks came for the last time before her return trip to America. She was glowing. As we sat with her, she told me all about her daughter's faith (her daughter is a member in the States) and how much she wants to have a better relationship with God. With an open face and a big smile, she told me that she has rejected learning about the gospel for years, but because of miracles she has experienced while battling cancer, she has started praying to God every day. "I don't know if I'm doing it right..." she told me "but I hope he understands!". I already love this incredible mother who I firmly believe will soon be baptized in Seattle. 

 

We had another miracle occur by accident. This Saturday, our ward had an activity. We were calling all our investigators, RCs, and LAs to invite them to attend when I mistyped one of our investigators names in our phone contacts data base. As result, I called an old number in the phone with a name similar to, but not the same as, the actual investigator I was trying to contact. When I realized I was talking to the wrong person, I instantly invited her to attend the activity with us. This woman ended up coming and staying until the end of the activity. She shared some intense challenges she has been facing in her life. "I've been praying for help," she told me, "and then I got a call from you. You are both my angels". We're meeting with this sweet woman next week. 

 

This week, Sister Chu and I have been focusing on inviting more of the spirit in everything that we do. I was reading a fantastic Conference talk about 'Teaching with the Power and Authority From God'. I am so grateful we have a life-time to continually learn how to be more sensitive to the spirit. Sometimes, I worry that I am putting my own opinions or thoughts about what an investigator needs over the quiet voice of the spirit... or I think that I have become so practiced in contacting that I forget to occasionally say those extra prayers about where we should go... and that we will be guided to know what to do. Maybe increased sensitivity to the Holy Ghost comes with increased humility and obedience; an expression of our desire to always have the spirit with us.  I particularly loved one part of the article that discussed how others are converted through WORD and POWER. It says "The word of the gospel is written in the scriptures, and we can obtain the word by diligently searching. The power of the gospel comes into the lives of those who so live that the Holy Ghost is their companion and who follow the promptings they receive." Thus, through studying diligently and being obedient we qualify for increased sensitivity to the Holy Ghost. I love that this principle is so simple, but through time we have the opportunity to continually work at it and better understand it. That is one of the beautiful things about the gospel... The gospel is very simple, but over time we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of it. I want to work very hard at being more sensitive to the spirit in all that I do. 

 

Sister Chu and I had a great week. As we sought the spirit in all that we did, we saw increased success in our contacting and teaching. We are working hard together and having fun in the work! I'm really grateful that Sister Chu is helping me better understand Taiwanese culture and some of the characteristics of church members in Taiwan. It's helping me to know how I can more effectively serve the members. I'm so lucky to be her companion! 

 

This week we're heading back to the East Coast for three days - should be exciting! 

 

Love you always!  TJ- congrats on passing your driving test! 

Mckenzie Christensen - CONGRATULATIONS!!! I couldn't be more excited for you! 

 

Sister Barden