RE: Sister Barden from Taiwan - June 22, 2014 

 

Hello Dear Family! 

 

This was such an exciting week! The Lord always gives us what we don't expect, but it's always better than anything we could choose for ourselves. I saw so many miracles in my former and new areas. I was on a short exchange at Temple Square with Sister Bang when we encountered one of the most spectacular contacting miracles on my mission. We were walking down some quiet streets and trying to follow the spirit when we saw a tall woman pacing near one of the main roads. The feeling came we were supposed to talk to her. We went up to her, introduced ourselves and stated our purpose. We shared baptism and prayer, asking her if she believed in God. She did. We asked if we believed God knew her and loved her. Suddenly, this woman started to cry. In a gush of emotion, she told us her life was in chaos and she didn't know how to overcome her challenges. Sister Bang said a prayer for her. An impression came to share Ether 12:27. We had forgotten to bring a copy of the BOM so I recited it as best I could. When we asked her if she felt God could make her weaknesses become strengths, her tears came again. "Could you write that scripture down for me?" She asked us.... Whoa... We told her missionaries were assigned to her area and would be able to meet with her to share more. "Can I write down my information for you?" She said herself. She felt meeting us was God's way of answering her desperate prayers. The prepared people in Taiwan have SO MUCH FAITH! I was stunned by her and will never forget her! Also, our little 9 yr. old investigator in JinHua passed her interview this week! Overjoyed with excitement for her. 

 

Yilan had some wonderful miracles as well. We were in Su'ao, a beautiful, mystical little area south of Yilan, to meet with a new investigator. Inside his little home, we taught him, his mother and two crazy little boys about the Restoration. They are traditional Buddhists. However, the spirit led the lesson and the father committed to start reading the Book of Mormon and prepare for a baptismal goal next month.

 

Another young investigator, named Joshua, met with us this weekend. He has enjoyed meeting with the missionaries for some time but has never been willing to accept a baptismal date. The spirit helped him to recognize that the good feelings he experiences at church can be with him at all times in his life - that when he is baptized, the gift of the Holy Ghost can change and empower his life in remarkable ways. He set a baptismal date and attended church with us! Miracle! I'm excited for everything awaiting Sister Keung and I this transfer! 

 

I am emailing you from the East Coast city of Yilan. It is spectacular here. The rice fields are green and ripe, the air smells clean... it's going to be a wonderful transfer. My new companion is from New Zealand! Sister Keung is incredible and just finished being trained here. Her accent is awesomeee... I love hearing about taking out the "rubbish" and giving our investigators "a ring". So fabulous! 

 

I had a lot of chances to ponder this week....I think periods of transition do that to us. God gave me a lot of little miracles this week. God is wise enough to not let us see all the ways our service blesses His kingdom. But, sometimes, He gives us little reminders that He is pleased with us - those small assurances that our best is enough for Him. I had a lot of those tender mercies this week. Our Recent Convert, Sister Shi, cried when she told me goodbye. Some of the Sisters wrote me the sweetest cards, Sister Chao helped me have the most crazy, fun, power-working week I could have hoped for!...Stunned at the blessings! I love how God teaches us patience by having us wait upon Him. He designs our circumstances so perfectly so that, after we do all we can do and realize we aren't enough on our own, He will come and provide miracles in such a way we cannot doubt they are all because of Him.  I love the promise in Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength' they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". I've found that as God has placed me in situations designed to help me understand and apply the Atonement, my desire to share it has intensified. That desire always brings us fire and energy that, as Isaiah says, gives us renewed strength. I LOVE this mission! 

 

Sister Keung has an incredible steadiness about her. I can't wait for us to see miracles and learn many things together. I'm excited for a great first week together. 

 

Love you all! Have a great week!

Sister Barden