Sister Barden from Taiwan - Sept. 8, 2014

Dear Family,

 Do you believe in miracle downpours? We do! We have an incredible investigator named Brother Hong. He is shy but very kind. He wants to improve his relationship with his wife. Every time we visit their home his wife goes upstairs or leaves to walk the dog. A few nights ago, we were biking in their area and had a prompting to stop by and just say hello. Brother Hong and his wife were both in the front room watching TV. Brother Hong's wife started to excuse herself to go pick up their son. However, right as we arrived, a heavy rainstorm hit fast and hard. It was miraculous! The Hong's quickly invited us into their home to wait out the worst of the storm. For fifteen minutes, we shared a short message and the scripture Moroni 7:45-48 about charity. A beautiful feeling was there as the husband admitted that he wanted to have more charity, especially with his family members. Fifteen minutes later, the storm cleared and we didn't feel rain the rest of the day. We closed with prayer and set up another time to visit the Hong family. God parts Red Seas and sends fifteen minute power rain storms to bring about the work! We saw another incredible finding miracle late one night. We were biking in an open area with very few homes. The moon and stars were reflected in the dark, wet rice fields. Magical. I had no idea where to go. Suddenly, we had a prompting to turn a certain direction. The road was dimly lit and we kept riding for a few minutes. Finally, we came to a cluster of homes. We were led to a door. A young woman opened when we knocked. She invited us in and told us she had wanted to be baptized into a Christian church a few years ago. She is now our new investigator! God is in all the details.
This week, I was reminded of a favorite talk by Elder Christofferson. He expounds upon the story of the Israelites receiving manna in the wilderness. He talks about the manna as their "daily bread". This talk helps me understand the nature of God. God created the necessity of heaven-sent food by leading them into the wilderness. He also determined to provide bread daily to help them clearly understand their reliance upon Him. God satisfied their immediate need without removing the fear or truth that they did not know what food they would eat the next day. Thus, the Israelites learned to be content with the satisfaction of their daily need - having faith that "daily bread" would be provided the next day. Change is not brought about by feeling too comfortable. The wilderness provided a sacred place for the Israelites to come closer to their God because they were ever mindful of Him... they ever needed Him. All of us sometimes find ourselves in a wilderness. But, we know who provides our daily bread. I'm grateful that I have always been given enough "heaven-sent bread" for each day. I'm also grateful that I need to ask for more tomorrow. Through this process we can all be led to God's promised lands. I am so grateful there is purpose in the journeys God invites us to take.

I love you all. Have a wonderful week,
Sister Barden