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