Sister Barden in Taiwan - August 31, 2014 Miracles!
We had the most special lesson with the Huang Family. We met with Sister Huang while her three children colored in the corner. Our lesson was the plan of salvation, focusing on the redemptive power of the Atonement and the reality of eternal families. Beautiful hardly sums up the way the lesson felt. The spirit was so active! We set a baptismal date with her and discussed her feelings about the message we were sharing. Sister Huang told us that, when she attended sacrament meeting last week, every congregation hymn gave her goosebumps. "I've never felt that way before." She said quietly. "I don't know what it was, but every time we started singing it came back to me." What an incredible witness!
We are also continuing to see many miracles from talking to everyone! As we waited for a train, we began talking to a young student heading back to her college. While sharing our message about baptism and our relationship with Heavenly Father, she started asking us deep questions.... her eyes began to light up with curiosity. When we asked to meet with her again she asked "Yes. Can some of my friends come too?!" This is amazing as her college is a near half hour train ride from where we wanted to set up a meeting with her!
This week, I've been really thinking about something Elder Wong of the Seventy shared with us in the Memorial Meeting for Elders Xiong and Thredgold. "God is in the details, of the details, of the details of our lives". I loved his reminder. I love that he repeated the phrase three times. I love that, in the context of current events and in our everyday lives, this statement invited us to reflect upon "the details" and acknowledge God in them. It takes spiritual sensitivity and a grateful heart to see the Lord's preparation and blessings in our life. I want to better understand and acknowledge the influence of God in the details of my life. I know doing so will increase my faith and comprehension of the "higher ways" by which the Lord accomplishes His purposes. I love the example of Nephi when he enters the city of Jerusalem to get the plates from Laban. I picture him standing by the dark gate, looking into the city and thinking... "Ok, now what? Heavenly Father... where do you want me to go?" The story that follows is incredibly orchestrated as Nephi not only comes across Laban, alone and completely unconscious, but is then led to cross paths with Laban's servant Zoram. The sequence of events is incredible because the details were planned by the Lord. I know from experience that when we stop on dark roads in our lives, look at heaven and say "Ok, now what? Heavenly Father... where do you want me to go?" The path is lit before us. Those we need to find are on the street... alone and unconscious of the purpose of their present sufferings. Zorams are waiting to help us achieve our goals. Doors are opened, scriptures are shared, and hearts are changed. I know God is in the "details, of the details, of the details" and I want to be quicker to acknowledge, thank, and seek for Him there.
Ask to "see Him in the details" more often. Ask to see things in the way that He sees them. Don't forget to look at heaven and say "Ok, now what? Heavenly Father... where do you want me to go?" I promise you will always find yourself in the places you need to be.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday, August 24, 2014
To Live Again
Sister Barden from Taiwan - August 24, 2014
Dear Family, The mission has had a lot to think on this week. A few nights ago, I was pacing the room and taking phone calls before we went to bed. When our District leader called for our nightly report, I sensed something wrong from the heaviness in his voice. Even before he told us what had occurred in the mission, a pause in the phone conversation prompted me to quietly ask "what happened?".The answer seemed to hit my stomach like a heavy brick. Dear Elder Xiong and Elder Thredgold died due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning in their apartment... Suddenly, a lot of thoughts crashed over me. I imagined two families picking up the phone call from a shaky-voiced Mission President. I pictured Sister Day in a small apartment packing clothes, name-tags, carefully marked scriptures that would be eternally entombed with the emotion of the tragedy. I thought of the tender announcement being read among a solemn group of apostles at their weekly meetings.... And suddenly, a lot of feelings burst in my heart.
As I've thought about many memories of Elder Xiong, and just a few instances of interacting with Elder Thredgold, the reality of the resurrection has left such an impression on my mind. The deaths of these Elders have weighed heavy on my heart... just as they have for every missionary in our mission. It's not Easter, but I can't stop pondering about the events of Easter morning as Mary sat at the tomb and mourned for the Savior. The apostles had been given indications that the Savior would not always be with them. Even if they did not fully comprehend what was about to befall our Savior, they had received some foreshadowing of events to come. But Mary... the tragic loss of her Lord must have seemed sudden. She was absolutely and emotionally not ready for Him to be taken away. When we read the accounts of her weeping at the tomb, we don't know how long she must have sat waiting. It could have been a short time... it may have been hours. Most profound, is the power of one spoken sentence to totally expel her sorrow and replace it with pure joy. The simple, absolute truth that Christ had conquered death caused her fears and sadness to be completely transformed into hope and wonder. I know a solid foundation of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to morph the sorrowing depths of our hearts into vessels of peace and happiness. Because of the resurrection, these Elders will see their families again... and all will be well.
We saw incredible miracles this week. I don't know where to begin. A mother with three young children came to Sacrament meeting.... a former investigator who lost contact with the church was found again. He said a kneeling prayer asking God to help him become better and told us he felt very peaceful and especially happy at our lesson. We contacted a young man, taught him about baptism and asked to meet with him another time.... this young man then told us his cousin was a member of our ward. On Sunday, this member cousin came up to us and thanked us for contacting the young man. "A few weeks ago he was very drunk and we got in a terrible argument. He called us to say that you had contacted him. Thank you for helping us to smooth things over". In the Yilan train station, we found a young woman whose parents are both very ill. As we taught her about the Resurrection and the Plan of Salvation, her face softened and she wanted to learn more. Oh, the blessings! God is working here in Yilan... it is such a privilege to see him change hearts. Remember that life is fragile and precious. Be safe - have joy! I love you all!
Sister Barden
Dear Family, The mission has had a lot to think on this week. A few nights ago, I was pacing the room and taking phone calls before we went to bed. When our District leader called for our nightly report, I sensed something wrong from the heaviness in his voice. Even before he told us what had occurred in the mission, a pause in the phone conversation prompted me to quietly ask "what happened?".The answer seemed to hit my stomach like a heavy brick. Dear Elder Xiong and Elder Thredgold died due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning in their apartment... Suddenly, a lot of thoughts crashed over me. I imagined two families picking up the phone call from a shaky-voiced Mission President. I pictured Sister Day in a small apartment packing clothes, name-tags, carefully marked scriptures that would be eternally entombed with the emotion of the tragedy. I thought of the tender announcement being read among a solemn group of apostles at their weekly meetings.... And suddenly, a lot of feelings burst in my heart.
As I've thought about many memories of Elder Xiong, and just a few instances of interacting with Elder Thredgold, the reality of the resurrection has left such an impression on my mind. The deaths of these Elders have weighed heavy on my heart... just as they have for every missionary in our mission. It's not Easter, but I can't stop pondering about the events of Easter morning as Mary sat at the tomb and mourned for the Savior. The apostles had been given indications that the Savior would not always be with them. Even if they did not fully comprehend what was about to befall our Savior, they had received some foreshadowing of events to come. But Mary... the tragic loss of her Lord must have seemed sudden. She was absolutely and emotionally not ready for Him to be taken away. When we read the accounts of her weeping at the tomb, we don't know how long she must have sat waiting. It could have been a short time... it may have been hours. Most profound, is the power of one spoken sentence to totally expel her sorrow and replace it with pure joy. The simple, absolute truth that Christ had conquered death caused her fears and sadness to be completely transformed into hope and wonder. I know a solid foundation of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to morph the sorrowing depths of our hearts into vessels of peace and happiness. Because of the resurrection, these Elders will see their families again... and all will be well.
We saw incredible miracles this week. I don't know where to begin. A mother with three young children came to Sacrament meeting.... a former investigator who lost contact with the church was found again. He said a kneeling prayer asking God to help him become better and told us he felt very peaceful and especially happy at our lesson. We contacted a young man, taught him about baptism and asked to meet with him another time.... this young man then told us his cousin was a member of our ward. On Sunday, this member cousin came up to us and thanked us for contacting the young man. "A few weeks ago he was very drunk and we got in a terrible argument. He called us to say that you had contacted him. Thank you for helping us to smooth things over". In the Yilan train station, we found a young woman whose parents are both very ill. As we taught her about the Resurrection and the Plan of Salvation, her face softened and she wanted to learn more. Oh, the blessings! God is working here in Yilan... it is such a privilege to see him change hearts. Remember that life is fragile and precious. Be safe - have joy! I love you all!
Sister Barden
Sunday, August 17, 2014
RE: Sister Barden from Taiwan - August 17, 2014
Dear Family,
This week was so full! I feel as if a million little things happened in our area.
The most miraculous things were ... we kept running into the same people... within short times of our first meeting. We were biking around one night and received the prompting to take a fairly sketchy dark road hugging a riverbank. I'd never been there before but we rode in and stopped at a street of houses. With only 10 minutes to spare, we prayed and chose only one door to knock. As soon as we knocked, a man answered - his face full of surprise. "You missionaries prayed with my father three days ago. I saw you at the train station when I went to pick him up. My father is sitting right here." We looked in and, sure enough, saw his father waving at us on the sofa. This family's little house is a good 15 minute drive from the train station in a very crowded area... The spirit took us right there!
Another incredible miracle: We met a father in Yilan (top of our area) who was willing to give us his phone number. Our next appointment with him fell through and we were unable to get a hold of him. However, two days later, we were walking in the little town of Su'Ao (very bottom of our area) and ran into this same man! His eyes got huge when he saw the two of us. "This is miraculous!" He kept saying. "To see you twice in one week... in different places!?" We were able to teach him a wonderful lesson later in the week.
A final story.... We met a young man while he waited by his motorcycle. He said he believed in God. We invited him to church, had a lesson on the street and gave him our address. Saturday night, we called and invited him to church again. He told us he likely wouldn't be able to come but to try him next week. Sunday night, the ward YSA had an activity planned. Around dinner time I had the impression to call him and invite him to the activity - short notice. When I called, he said he would be willing to come! He also said he had unsuccessfully tried to find our church in the morning but had lost our phone number. Wow! At the activity, we gave him a Book of Mormon and set up for another appointment. As he left, he showed us a big smile and said "I'm so grateful God let you find me so I can know how to come closer to him. A few days ago I was praying about something hard going on in my life. Originally, I was scheduled to go to work tonight... but my schedule changed and I was able to come here." He was so happy and his faith was so innocent and genuine. We cannot WAIT to share more with him!
God is a God of miracles. He is in the details.
I love you all - Take great care of TJ this week as he recovers from the surgery,
Sister Barden
Dear Family,
This week was so full! I feel as if a million little things happened in our area.
The most miraculous things were ... we kept running into the same people... within short times of our first meeting. We were biking around one night and received the prompting to take a fairly sketchy dark road hugging a riverbank. I'd never been there before but we rode in and stopped at a street of houses. With only 10 minutes to spare, we prayed and chose only one door to knock. As soon as we knocked, a man answered - his face full of surprise. "You missionaries prayed with my father three days ago. I saw you at the train station when I went to pick him up. My father is sitting right here." We looked in and, sure enough, saw his father waving at us on the sofa. This family's little house is a good 15 minute drive from the train station in a very crowded area... The spirit took us right there!
Another incredible miracle: We met a father in Yilan (top of our area) who was willing to give us his phone number. Our next appointment with him fell through and we were unable to get a hold of him. However, two days later, we were walking in the little town of Su'Ao (very bottom of our area) and ran into this same man! His eyes got huge when he saw the two of us. "This is miraculous!" He kept saying. "To see you twice in one week... in different places!?" We were able to teach him a wonderful lesson later in the week.
A final story.... We met a young man while he waited by his motorcycle. He said he believed in God. We invited him to church, had a lesson on the street and gave him our address. Saturday night, we called and invited him to church again. He told us he likely wouldn't be able to come but to try him next week. Sunday night, the ward YSA had an activity planned. Around dinner time I had the impression to call him and invite him to the activity - short notice. When I called, he said he would be willing to come! He also said he had unsuccessfully tried to find our church in the morning but had lost our phone number. Wow! At the activity, we gave him a Book of Mormon and set up for another appointment. As he left, he showed us a big smile and said "I'm so grateful God let you find me so I can know how to come closer to him. A few days ago I was praying about something hard going on in my life. Originally, I was scheduled to go to work tonight... but my schedule changed and I was able to come here." He was so happy and his faith was so innocent and genuine. We cannot WAIT to share more with him!
God is a God of miracles. He is in the details.
I love you all - Take great care of TJ this week as he recovers from the surgery,
Sister Barden
Monday, August 11, 2014
Sister Barden from Taiwan - August 10, 2014
What a week!
Sister Graham is bringing us so many miracles. I have to share at least a few of them. The first of our miracles involves a finding miracle little Sister Wu and I came across early in July. A month ago, she and I were led to the house of an older woman named Sister Xu. This woman had light in her face and wanted to learn more about our message, but she was going to Egypt on vacation. She told us she wouldn't be home again until early August. Well... it's August! We went to her home with a lovely member and taught one of the most spirit filled lessons I have attended. We taught her the Restoration, spoke about baptism and extended an invitation to attend Church. Our member was unbelievable. She talked about her conversion process, the blessings the gospel has brought into her life... On Sunday, this older woman attended Church. We are SO excited to continue teaching her! Another miracle came in the form of a referral from Xinzhu. A young father was contacted by the missionaries and wrote down his phone number. As we taught him about the plan of salvation, this father looked at the member helping us teach and this members young son. "I hope my little daughter can become like your son" he told the mother. "I want her to learn in a church environment". Wow! When we extended a baptismal date, this father's eyes got really big. "Amazing! That is my wife's birthday! I accept." This young father has so much love and hope for his family. We are excited to see his progress.
A few things became clearer to me throughout the week. I've been thinking about the necessity of weakness for our investigators and for us as missionaries. I think the scripture in Alma 32:6 is so interesting. It discusses how Alma rejoices to see the people in such a "humble" state. 6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word.
How fascinating that Alma has "joy" as he sees them in their circumstances. I know that Alma's joy is not for their pain or their suffering because I have experienced Alma's feelings on my mission. If someone has a humble weakness, they will be more open to the truth. In those who have suffered, and desire true help, there is a "receptiveness of soul" that can feel and recognize the spirit. When some of our investigators share their trials or struggles, part of me rejoices that they have had the opportunity to be humbled - I have hope that the gospel can reach them. I know God feels the same way toward all of us. God rejoices when we become malleable in our weaknesses. He doesn't take pleasure in our sorrow but he joys in feeling the softening of our hearts. Seeing the necessity of weakness in our investigator's conversion process has helped me understand how our Heavenly Father must feel about us. I'm grateful he rejoices in my progression just like I rejoice for those we teach.
Sister Graham! We're going to have a fun last 10 weeks together. She's leaning so quickly I feel as if she's keeping me on my toes!
Love you all so much!
Praying for TJ this week, hoping John has a happy birthday :)
Sister Barden
What a week!
Sister Graham is bringing us so many miracles. I have to share at least a few of them. The first of our miracles involves a finding miracle little Sister Wu and I came across early in July. A month ago, she and I were led to the house of an older woman named Sister Xu. This woman had light in her face and wanted to learn more about our message, but she was going to Egypt on vacation. She told us she wouldn't be home again until early August. Well... it's August! We went to her home with a lovely member and taught one of the most spirit filled lessons I have attended. We taught her the Restoration, spoke about baptism and extended an invitation to attend Church. Our member was unbelievable. She talked about her conversion process, the blessings the gospel has brought into her life... On Sunday, this older woman attended Church. We are SO excited to continue teaching her! Another miracle came in the form of a referral from Xinzhu. A young father was contacted by the missionaries and wrote down his phone number. As we taught him about the plan of salvation, this father looked at the member helping us teach and this members young son. "I hope my little daughter can become like your son" he told the mother. "I want her to learn in a church environment". Wow! When we extended a baptismal date, this father's eyes got really big. "Amazing! That is my wife's birthday! I accept." This young father has so much love and hope for his family. We are excited to see his progress.
A few things became clearer to me throughout the week. I've been thinking about the necessity of weakness for our investigators and for us as missionaries. I think the scripture in Alma 32:6 is so interesting. It discusses how Alma rejoices to see the people in such a "humble" state. 6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word.
How fascinating that Alma has "joy" as he sees them in their circumstances. I know that Alma's joy is not for their pain or their suffering because I have experienced Alma's feelings on my mission. If someone has a humble weakness, they will be more open to the truth. In those who have suffered, and desire true help, there is a "receptiveness of soul" that can feel and recognize the spirit. When some of our investigators share their trials or struggles, part of me rejoices that they have had the opportunity to be humbled - I have hope that the gospel can reach them. I know God feels the same way toward all of us. God rejoices when we become malleable in our weaknesses. He doesn't take pleasure in our sorrow but he joys in feeling the softening of our hearts. Seeing the necessity of weakness in our investigator's conversion process has helped me understand how our Heavenly Father must feel about us. I'm grateful he rejoices in my progression just like I rejoice for those we teach.
Sister Graham! We're going to have a fun last 10 weeks together. She's leaning so quickly I feel as if she's keeping me on my toes!
Love you all so much!
Praying for TJ this week, hoping John has a happy birthday :)
Sister Barden
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Sister Barden in Taiwan - August 3, 2014
Hello, hello!
What a wonderful week! I saw the powers of heaven at work here in Yilan.
On Monday, we were riding the train up to Yilan when I caught a woman staring at us. Having someone stare at you is a rather uncomfortable feeling, so I waved at her and began to ask her questions. She wanted to take a picture of us. We then invited her to English class at our chapel. She said she would love to come, wrote down her name/phone number and asked us to call her. So great! Even better... she actually came to English class and stayed for the baptism following the activity! From speaking with her, we've learned she is a young mother who has a very challenging life. In our first lesson, she shared with us about her family difficulties and her greatest desire.... to just feel loved! We taught her about baptism and when Sister Graham invited her to have a baptismal date - she told us she was willing! Wow! I never stop having such a feeling of surprise and gratitude at each new miracle the Lord brings. This lonely mother in a random train car somehow made contact with the missionaries... and it may change her life forever. SO grateful for miracles!!
Every missionary knows baptism is just the beginning for every investigator. Being baptized and confirmed does not mean that a new member does not experience difficulty or doubt.... make mistakes or forget to consistently do the small and simple things. That is why, when every missionary does their very best to prepare each investigator for baptism.... they still pray like crazy that the investigator will continue to experience TRUE and LASTING Conversion. Every time I witness a baptism - I am filled with the same prayer: what else can we do to ensure that they keep progressing, that they don't fall away? There is much we can do as missionaries, but there are also certain things that are beyond our control. There are things we must entrust to the Lord...ex: leaving those we teach after we are transferred to a new area....
This week, our investigator Joshua was baptized. His journey is miraculous. I very clearly remember him telling us -repeatedly- "I don't want to be baptized". As his understanding deepened, I also clearly remembering him saying "I'm willing to be baptized" and then "I'm excited for my baptism". Remarkable. During his baptismal service, I remember feeling the same prayer in my heart "What else can we do to ensure that he keeps progressing? We want him to never fall away!" As the service continued, a scripture came into my mind - Alma 26:7 " But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day". It was the most comforting answer- we can do our best and then know that those we teach are in the "hands of the Lord". After his baptism, Joshua couldn't stop smiling! He bore a powerful testimony that Sister Keung and I had never heard from him before - He cannot wait for a new start! Oh, the blessings!!
Sister Graham is... unbelievable. I have been blessed with another wonderful trainee. She is humble and hardworking, full of faith and optimism. She's worried about her Chinese but... everyone is in the beginning of their mission. Cannot wait for these next weeks to serve together!
Sister Graham is a BYU student who runs triathalons!!! whoa! She loves all intellectual things and has an obsession with Indian food ;) We are going to have an incredible time together... I can feel it!
Love you all!
Sister Barden
Hello, hello!
What a wonderful week! I saw the powers of heaven at work here in Yilan.
On Monday, we were riding the train up to Yilan when I caught a woman staring at us. Having someone stare at you is a rather uncomfortable feeling, so I waved at her and began to ask her questions. She wanted to take a picture of us. We then invited her to English class at our chapel. She said she would love to come, wrote down her name/phone number and asked us to call her. So great! Even better... she actually came to English class and stayed for the baptism following the activity! From speaking with her, we've learned she is a young mother who has a very challenging life. In our first lesson, she shared with us about her family difficulties and her greatest desire.... to just feel loved! We taught her about baptism and when Sister Graham invited her to have a baptismal date - she told us she was willing! Wow! I never stop having such a feeling of surprise and gratitude at each new miracle the Lord brings. This lonely mother in a random train car somehow made contact with the missionaries... and it may change her life forever. SO grateful for miracles!!
Every missionary knows baptism is just the beginning for every investigator. Being baptized and confirmed does not mean that a new member does not experience difficulty or doubt.... make mistakes or forget to consistently do the small and simple things. That is why, when every missionary does their very best to prepare each investigator for baptism.... they still pray like crazy that the investigator will continue to experience TRUE and LASTING Conversion. Every time I witness a baptism - I am filled with the same prayer: what else can we do to ensure that they keep progressing, that they don't fall away? There is much we can do as missionaries, but there are also certain things that are beyond our control. There are things we must entrust to the Lord...ex: leaving those we teach after we are transferred to a new area....
This week, our investigator Joshua was baptized. His journey is miraculous. I very clearly remember him telling us -repeatedly- "I don't want to be baptized". As his understanding deepened, I also clearly remembering him saying "I'm willing to be baptized" and then "I'm excited for my baptism". Remarkable. During his baptismal service, I remember feeling the same prayer in my heart "What else can we do to ensure that he keeps progressing? We want him to never fall away!" As the service continued, a scripture came into my mind - Alma 26:7 " But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day". It was the most comforting answer- we can do our best and then know that those we teach are in the "hands of the Lord". After his baptism, Joshua couldn't stop smiling! He bore a powerful testimony that Sister Keung and I had never heard from him before - He cannot wait for a new start! Oh, the blessings!!
Sister Graham is... unbelievable. I have been blessed with another wonderful trainee. She is humble and hardworking, full of faith and optimism. She's worried about her Chinese but... everyone is in the beginning of their mission. Cannot wait for these next weeks to serve together!
Sister Graham is a BYU student who runs triathalons!!! whoa! She loves all intellectual things and has an obsession with Indian food ;) We are going to have an incredible time together... I can feel it!
Love you all!
Sister Barden