We saw the Lord really bless us as we planned specifically this week. President Jeong has counseled us to plan where to contact people on the street, where to study, and try to be specific as we do so, as well as plan how many people we will talk to during each segment of our day. Well we have been trying to do that! However, sometimes when we get behind schedule, we have to change plans for times sake.
Well one day this week we had planned to do companion and language study in front of a CU (the Korean name for Convenience Stores), but we had to send a bill to the mission headquarters, so we were running late. We thought about changing where we study, but we felt like, if possible, we should stick to plans. So we went as planned.
While studying in front of the CU, a group of YSA's walked passed. They were actually family, a 26 year old man, his girfriend, and his brother and cousin, both 25 years old. We said hello. They were very kind to us. They loved to speak English and wanted to be our friends. We told them we were missionaries, but they said right away they didn't believe in God. But they wanted to learn English and things, so we decided to have dinner the next day. I noticed how good and kind they were, to us and each other-- such positive and good people.
The next day we met for dinner. We were able to have a great fun time, but we didn't know how to share a spiritual message, as they just saw us as friends. Well, we were talking about obedience and the missionary life style-- they had asked about watching a movie together, and we explained that we didn't play video games or watch movies as missionaries. Well this actually turned into a really great opportunity to share the Gospel. The whole time we were together, we had mentioned lots about missions, the Book of Mormon, etc, but at this point in the conversation I just said, "I know that sounds too strict, but this message we are sharing is the most important thing in the whole world! And so we do those things so we can focus and share the message. Actually, that card I gave you yesterday had a little video about our message on it. May we share it with you?" And then we shared the Prince of Peace Video on Mormon.org. After that, they kind of looked around mormon.org on their computer, and found my profile, and watch Alex Boye's "I'm a Mormon". They asked what Mormon was, and we taught them about the Book of Mormon and gave them a copy!
We planned to have a fun dinner again this Friday, and we are so excited to meet them! Their friendship is wonderful, they are such good good people-- you can just feel it as you are with them. I am so excited to teach this family all together, little by little. It was such a blessing we received from 1) studying outside as our mission president counseled, and 2) being diligent in following specific plans, as our mission president counseled. I know our Priesthood Leaders, though imperfect beings, do work for our Perfect God who will accomplish His purposes.
And also. The other miracle! We have met so so so many people from all over the world.
On Tuesday my companion Elder A suggested going to a place called 태종대 (Taejongdae), a popular tourist attraction on our little Youngdo island. But NOT going for sight seeing-- Tuesday was Korea's independence day, and there were TONS of people there. Well, we did talk to lots of people, but the best missionary opportunity came as we walked back. We try to at least say hi to everyone while we walk the streets, and as we were walking we saw a big shirtless African man, leaving an apartment. We shouted hello to him, and he stopped, so we walked across a dirt lot in front of his apartment to say hello. Turns out he is from Nigeria, and he lives here with his pregnant wife. He is a very kind man, and strong, physically and spiritually. Well, we told him we could help him if he ever needed help with Korean or anything. And he is Anglican Christian, but he said we could discuss the Gospel anytime. I wasn't sure if he was going to Bible-bash or what, but we made an appointment for Sunday.
So yesterday we met! and it was the opposite of a Bible bash-- he was so sincere, kind, and good, asking well thought out honest questions, not trying to be skeptical or prove wrong, just seek honest truth. It was a very good lesson, and ended with an invitation to read the Book of Mormon and pray honestly. He accepted, and it was awesome!
I learned so much from him-- I don't think he intended to change religions by meeting us, but he told us he always allows missionaries to come to his home-- we are the first Mormons he has met, but Jehovah's witnesses,, etc have gone before. He takes what he can learn from everyone, and tries to improve his conversion. I am so grateful to meet and teach him!
Love you all! I have to go, but I will probably email a couple more emails right before my p-day ends, when you are all asleep. Love you!
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