This week Elder Schilling and I constructed a sticker board to use when English flyering. It lets people choose from several options, answering the question, "What is the reason you want to learn English?" We took it out to two different places and received a lot of participation. I think it'll turn out to be a big help for our English class, which can always use more members.
I just realized, that six teenagers teach hundreds of people across the nation English. How funny is that! I never imagined myself becoming an English teacher so soon.
Regardless, it was really fun to be sticker-boarding again. We used to do it all the time when I lived in Gimpo, but then I came here and that idea quietly slipped out the back door. It's back though, and ready to party!
This week was really slow in terms of investigator appointments -- all three of our investigators canceled, our new investigator had to drop our appointment at the last minute, and our most recent investigator, Kim Han Soo (김한수) dropped us. That was a rough phone call. He said that he has his own religion, and that he just wants to learn English. I listened, then just re-explained one last time that our purpose in meeting isn't to convert him, but to practice Korean, so that we can become better teachers. He was very cordial, but stated that he'd rather not continue meeting one and one, and would just like to attend our English class.
To be honest, this isn't an isolated experience; things like this happen all the time. I'm sure he'll be prepared in the future though; and in the mean time, he's taken one small step, even though he's chosen to stop walking.
In other news, this week we were reminded of our importance by the Bishopric, during a meeting. They emphasized how small things we do can leave large impressions, especially on the youth. In harmony with that, we got treats for a couple of youth who celebrated birthdays recently. It was interesting to see their reactions, and the reactions of nearby members. You could tell that it meant a lot to them, and some of the members were so far impressed as to make comments like, "Ah, Elder, you don't have money to do things like that... that's too kind." That's something I intend to continue doing -- which is funny, because later the bishop's wife told me that she wants me to stay until her birthday -- In October!!
Another highlight this week was dinner with the ward mission leader, Brother Ahn (안) and his wife, Sister Bak (박). One neat thing was the opportunity to eat American food -- both lived in America, and Sister Bak is an excellent cook. That was probably the first time I've had any kind of chicken bake/casserole since I've left home. They had all the missionaries share what inspires them to share the gospel. My brief 30 second bit centered on how I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to resolve all social and personal problems, and that is what inspires me to share the gospel -- the desire to make a better future, for my family and friends.
This week we were also able to take a trip to Costco (surprise, surprise, bet nobody saw that coming!), after our time at the temple, which, as always, was splendid. We were able to get some affordable, American ingredients in bulk, which is virtually impossible elsewhere.
Another highlight was district meeting. Elder Campbell asked me to prepare a thought on how Jesus found people to teach, since we're all trying to be a little more like Him, and we all agreed that He's the greatest missionary who ever walked the face of this Earth.
As I skimmed through the gospels, I was repeatedly impressed by how Jesus Christ taught all the time, and taught those who came to Him. He didn't have to interrupt or attack or be aggressive; He taught those who came to Him with interest, and that interest was kindled by life problems and by the Spirit testifying to the truthfulness of what He taught.
That study helped me to be more at peace with the sometimes seemingly fruitless hours of proselyting. The main key, to me, was to always be teaching, and not to worry about those who turn away from you. It's their loss, not yours.
All in all, it was another blessed week in Korea. I find myself evermore grateful for the opportunity to be heard and to speak in the Lord's name. The personal blessings I've received are numerous and beyond description; the testimony I've received has grown in ways that are both imperceptible and unmistakable.
Most importantly, my love for everybody has increased, again and again. I can honestly state that I love each and every one of my brothers and sisters -- and our Heavenly Father, who saved each of us through the sacrifice of His Only Begotten, His perfect Eldest Son, Jesus Christ.
Your Faithful Brother,
Elder Austin Lynn
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