This time, we slowed down a bit to discuss receiving spiritual answers. Joon Suk always feels peace when he prays, but he hasn't equated that with his answer that God lives. We taught him with a member who's his age and preparing for a mission in California. After all three of us shared how we felt the Holy Ghost, we shared an experience from church history, recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. Similar to Joon Suk, a man heard this message and desired to know if it was true. He too prayed, and felt peace. God said to him:
23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
(D&C 6:22-23)
So, Joon Suk agreed to be baptized on the 2 of January, depending on if he receives his answer about the existence of God. Yay!
I also had the opportunity of doing two exchanges this week: one with Elder Andrew from my district, and one with the zone leaders. Both were great opportunities to see how another missionary works, and to discuss things in each other's areas and lives. I always find myself refreshed and encouraged after exchanges. How glorious are faithful, just and true friends!
We also had district meeting this week, talking about baptism once again. Our day was pretty packed on that Wednesday; members took us out for dinner, and we all got together to practice some of our musical numbers we're doing for the ward.
On Thursday we had a zone training, talking a lot about asking questions, teaching to individuals' needs, and about having hope -- because, we're doing great work! There's never any reason to get down or discouraged, because we're on the Lord's errand. Even when things don't go well, we're doing our best, and Christ will always smile on us when we do our best to follow Him.
On Saturday we had a baptismal service for a member's child. The missionaries sang, and the primary sang as well. Ironically, there are more primary children in our ward than there are missionaries in the entire city of Incheon! That night we received our transfer calls, and I learned that my companion Elder Dent was leaving, and I would be training for my final 12 weeks in country.
Looks like time's going to fly by!
One more thing: Santa Claus. This may seem random, but I've been thinking about Santa. He's closely linked to Christmas, and is rooted deeply in the subconscious of millions of people.
But why?
There could be lots of answers to that question, but I wanted to briefly write about one point: a similarity between the Savior and Santa. Why do children get so excited for presents from Santa? Why are adults so attached to the concept? I believe it's because Santa has no motivation to give presents to children. He has no obligation to us; he's not a parent, guardian, or any such thing. He has no reason to give us presents, yet he does. Similarly, Jesus Christ has no obligation to us, aside from His own charity -- His pure love for us. Nobody forces Him to help us, yet He does, simply because He cares for each of us. I think there's a part of every person that wants to be the receptor of charity: love that has no selfish motivations, is not colored by obligations and responsibilities, but is pure love given simply because we are all creatures worthy of love.
Love,
Elder Austin Lynn
Sorry, just one picture this week: the district.
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