There's no God in China.
At least, that's what our Bishop said last Saturday, as we discussed an investigator who was raised in China. Of course, what Bishop meant by that statement was that people in China are taught that there is no God, and they have no perception of who, what, or even why God is. One of our main purposes as missionaries is to teach people clearly who God is -- our loving Father -- and how they can have a relationship with Him, and why that relationship is the most important relationship they can ever foster. On this Father's Day, I express gratitude and love not only to my earthly father, but also to my Heavenly Father. It is always with a sense of God's supernal love than I read the following passage, found in both the Sermon on the Mount directed to disciples in Palestine, and the Risen Savior's instructions to the ancient Nephite people of America:
At least, that's what our Bishop said last Saturday, as we discussed an investigator who was raised in China. Of course, what Bishop meant by that statement was that people in China are taught that there is no God, and they have no perception of who, what, or even why God is. One of our main purposes as missionaries is to teach people clearly who God is -- our loving Father -- and how they can have a relationship with Him, and why that relationship is the most important relationship they can ever foster. On this Father's Day, I express gratitude and love not only to my earthly father, but also to my Heavenly Father. It is always with a sense of God's supernal love than I read the following passage, found in both the Sermon on the Mount directed to disciples in Palestine, and the Risen Savior's instructions to the ancient Nephite people of America:
"And what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone?
"Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
Of course, we're not (usually) literally evil. But, we do make mistakes and are occasionally selfish. God is perfect, His love is perfect, and His wisdom is infinite. He will give us good gifts, and I know that everything He does is for our ultimate good. He is a God of Love; and, as the apostle John wrote, God is love.
This week all of our teaching appointments fell through, but we were able to rock the streets with the Book of Mormon! We gave out several copies, and met several individuals who have potential interest in meeting again! And, after the news we received on Saturday, that will only strengthen Sanbon area. On Tuesday I accidentally forgot my Book of Mormon and case in a shop of a friend. This friend often asked questions about our beliefs, but had gently resisted any attempts for real gospel discussion. But when we returned the next day, we asked him if he took a look at it. He said he hadn't, but asked what it was. We'd had this conversation before, but he can tend to be forgetful, so we were able to reteach a lot of the first lesson, and testify about the Book of Mormon. We left him a copy of the Restoration pamphlet, so we'll follow up on that this week. He's a really nice man, but he's not really religious. Hopefully we can help him and his family find eternal joy and peace!
Saturday was a long-anticipated day. Transfer calls! Here's the deal: for the past 12 weeks I've been training Elder Schilling, a new missionary. Before this, he was in the Missionary Training Center, with Elder Stapp as his companion. Both of them came to Sanbon house, but Elder Stapp was with Elder Campbell. We were Sanbon 2, they were Sanbon 1. When we received the phone call letting us know what would be happening, they first told us that Elder Stapp and I would be companions. That was stunning! I'd never heard of that happening before. They're combining my area with Sanbon 1, and both Elder Campbell and Elder Schilling are going to new areas. Elder Stapp and I get along great, and are ready to really get the fire going in Sanbon!
Sanbon United!
As part of wrapping up the first 12 weeks for my new companion, we met with the Assistants to the President to do evaluations regarding the First 12 Weeks Language Study Program. In essence, I work with him everyday to help him learn and memorize brief statements of doctrine and belief so that even new missionaries can participate in the teaching process. Afterwards, I did an evaluation for Preach My Gospel Teacher Improvement -- our mission's program for experienced missionaries to grow in their teaching skills.
This Sunday was a country wide stake conference. Elder Christofferson video-ed in from Utah, and spoke, along with a few members of the Seventy, like Elder Maynes, who visited the mission a few weeks ago. Each stake was connected by video. It's incredible how modern technology enables so much unity! Our ward sang for our stake, singing "The Spirit of God," in Korean. It was a blast! I honestly love the wards here in Korea so much. It's a privelege to work and serve among them.
Elder Austin Lynn
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