2014.06.29

I'll never get used to this... Another transfer, another whirlwind.

So, before this week, my companion has been having a lot of problems with his health. First coming to Korea was rough on him, and he's been sick pretty much ever since. It gets better and worse, but never 100% cured from what he's told me. At first he didn't really say much about it, but it's gotten worse recently. From the looks of thing, he may even need to transfer state-side if it doesn't work out soon. Originally, President told me that I would be training him to be district leader before I go, but with this new turn, I won't be his companion. President brought in a Korean in case they have to go to the hospital again and they need someone more familiar with the system. As is, I once again became companions with a housemate. This is the fourth time I've had a transfer within my own house. But my new companion is Elder Hawes. Awesome guy, I'll tell you all about him later.^^ So Here's my district's changes...

Elders    Robarts Dursteler --> Dursteler  하용식

             Merkley Hawes   -->  Robarts Hawes

Sisters   이예지 윤미영  -->  Jacklyn 윤미영

This is it. This is my last transfer in Korea. But I'm aiming for this one to be the brightest.

This week we saw a huge miracle. Before in another area I had investigator I loved so much. We first met him by calling a wrong number, and ever since then he's progressed a ton. He's come to church six times or so now, and he used to have a date to be Baptized, but he had a big exam come up that made him too busy to meet. I'll try to share his whole story later, but last week I got the feeling I should call him. When I did, he told me that he moved since then, and he's now in my current area...  Met him again on Sunday. My goal is to help him get baptized before I go home. He's so ready for it. He just likes to question his faith sometimes.

There's so much to write about, but so little time. As is, we had an appointment this morning that kept getting moved around, so we couldn't do anything. We just about gave up and started emails when he called. Got about 10 minutes left before we'll rush to meet him.

But I love you so much. I'll see if I can do the second half of this later, but with transfers, I don't know if we'll have time. Just know that I'm thinking of you, I love you, and you're in my prayers!

~Elder Robarts

2014.06.24 email

Dear home,

A bit of a lot to go over... So, right now I don't have a companion. I'm in a threesome with the other Mokpo Elders because my companion has to stay in the hospital for a couple days. He's had a couple health problems since the start of his mission, but he has mostly just tried waiting it out and didn't say anything. But since it hasn't resolved itself, and it's been getting worse recently, they decided to get it looked at. Keep him in your prayers please!

It's weird not being with your own companion. It's like a part of you is gone. Even more so because you know he's having a rough time. But life goes on in the field, I guess. We had an FHE last night with a member's family, then District meeting this morning. We think we'll be able to come back around Friday maybe. He has to stay in for more tests for a few days.

This week we had Stake Conference, interviews with President, and there was a combined missionary activity in Gwangju yesterday for P-Day. Ate lunch, played a little sports, and did some service at the new church building. But because of that, we got back to Mokpo a little late.

This week had a lot of exams, so most of our younger investigators were busy this week. But with that comes summer break for a couple weeks. We're looking to arrange a service activity with some of them and members of the ward. Should be pretty fun. I love service, and it's been harder to do it recently.

This truly is a great work. The ways that we serve may seem small, but they are all pieces of something bigger. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is so much bigger than the little things we as humans stress over. The answers are all fairly simple. The only complicated things about life are what we make.

Right now, I'm trying to refocus. My thoughts feel like they kind of went through a blender. Thinking about my district, my companion, our investigators, my own testimony and how I can help it grow... It's all kind of blurred now. But I know one thing. Everything will work out. And in the meantime, I'll trust God and follow his direction.

I love you all! Have a great week!

~Elder Robarts

2014.06.23

Sorry! No time to email today! I'll explain tomorrow! Love you!

2014.06.16

This week was great. There's a family that we met recently whose son is progressing really well. Loves coming out to church, and has a good time with the members here. Because he's still a student, we've been trying to focus a lot on helping his parents, but he's doing great, and they seem really supportive.

We met a couple awesome people on the street too. The family guy from last week is doing well. I can't remember if I mentioned him. Recently married, turns out he has a seven month old son. Super awesome. I have a good feeling about him. Last time we talked with him, there was a festival going on nearby so we weren't able to talk as long as we'd wanted, but he said he would bring his family next time. Doesn't go to a church at the moment, but I feel like he's super open to it if he finds one with values that he likes. And with such a love of families, he would do so well here.

Also met a couple university students that used to go to church when they were little and have been thinking about going again. They were really interested in the Book of Mormon.

More and more I'm struck by the simplicity of it all. God loves us enough to give us this opportunity to grow, and has provided the perfect plan for us to be able to return back to him and continue to grow. Without the Atonement, life would be empty. It would end, and with it our hopes, dreams, and everything we live for. But because He lived, so does our joy. Relationships formed here will continue beyond the grave. And things learned here will bless eternities. That to me brings it all into perspective. Take what comes and learn. And above all, Remember. Don't let this blessed gift of experience slip away because we do not value it. Treasure memories and lessons learned. They will never see to enrich us.

I love you all! Have an awesome day! Until next week!

~Elder Robarts

2014.06.08

I guess the best way to go about this is just go through my notes from Elder Christofferson's visit one by one.

First off we heard some talks from Elder and Sister Mayne and Sister Christofferson who talked a lot about our relationship with God. Elder Mayne talked about how we can use PMG with those who have lived without a Christian background. With the flexibility it gives us, we are able to really focus on the basics. What I loved most was looking back and remembering those times when an investigator had prayed for the first time, or when they started wanting to know more about God. They are so powerful experiences, but the principles were so simple.

Then there was Elder Christofferson who did some Q and A for most of his time.When it is out of our power to comfort someone, help lead them to Christ, then simply be there for them. Mourn with those that mourn.

The true tragedy, he reminded us, is not accepting the peace the Gospel brings. Ultimately, nothing else can harm us.

One of my favorite things from last week that I learned was about faith and blessings from the Lord

They talked a lot about how in order to obtain extraordinary faith, you need extraordinary prayer and action. As we call on God and express willingness to act, we are able to see miracles beyond what we could imagine

It all depends on our spiritual preparation. Sister Christofferson shared a scripture from 2 Kings 4:1-7. It describes a widow that goes seeking help from Elisha, who tells her to gather as many vessels as she can. Not a few   And pour a vessel of oil she already had into them. The thing is, the oil ran out exactly when she reached the last vessel. If she had brought more, it would have stretched further. If she had brought less, it would have ran out sooner. The Lord will bless us according to our desire and preparation. That was a powerful thing to learn.

He talked a lot about what to do when others choose not to accept what we teach. Simply enough, if needed give their heart time to be softened. Keep records so that they can be found again, don't give up on them, keep them in your prayers, and then continue to look for those who are prepared.

We heard lessons of not letting small things distract us, hastening the work, and especially building a firm foundation within our own homes.

This week, I also began thinking a lot about the process of drawing closer to God. In short, repentance.

It is such a powerful gift really.. And it all begins and ends with Christ. When we turn to Christ, we have power to overcome all things. That change of our very nature so that it is in line with God is incredible to think about.

The rest of this week was really nice too

A couple meetings in Gwangju, then there was a sports conference to celebrate the completion of the new stake center. Had a couple investigators come out and have a good time with the members. I was Really excited for them. One of them came out to church again this week, and it looks like he really wants to learn about the church. Him and the rest of his family are awesome. This week, we also saw some cool miracles on the street. Met a guy who got married last year. Used to go to church, but now follows his father in being Buddhist. He didn't like how churches only ever say to go to their church, not another church. Always fighting. But he likes missionaries, and has a lot of interest in eternal families. Arranged to meet again next week.

I love this work. You learn and grow so much. I've been realizing so much more I need to change. So many things about myself that aren't Christlike. But one by one, I'm working on them. I love the spirit that comes from that. In just trusting God. I love you all so much. I wish you could feel what we feel out here. At times, naturally it can be hard, but it's the work of the Savior. What trial could possibly compare to the joy of seeing lives change?

Have a great week! Until next time!

~Elder Robarts

2014.06.01

Dear home,

That was one the most amazing weekends of my life! It was so packed and crazy I don't know where to begin. Since last pday, we saw a lot of miracles. Visiting Less Actives that asked us to talk with some people they know, met a couple investigators that were able to come see an Apostle (more later), had a great combined district meeting, and spent the weekend with events in three different cities, all of which have become close to home for me.

It's a shame really. There were a lot of cool miracles, but I can only think to write about when we learned when Christofferson came... He answered so many questions I had brought with me. Everything he talked about was what I needed to hear. He talked about relying on the Lord, turning to him in all things. Another speaker talked about how we need to help our investigators understand that as well. Help them understand who god is. What our relationship is with him. He talked about how all Gospel knowledge is founded on an understanding of God, and the Godhead. If you look closely, the 1st lesson talks about each. The beginning teaches about God, the middle teaches about Christ, and final part teaches about the Holy Ghost. They are the first key doctrine. Faith in them, and who they are. No coincidence that that is what composes the 1st article of faith.

I feel so spoiled. Granted, we had to spend about 100 dollars with travel or what not, so I'm deep into savings for a while, but I'll never forget this weekend. We got to see him twice! First with the missionaries, then with our Stake for the dedication of our new stake center. (Which, by the way, is MASSIVE. Only one building I've ever seen rivals it. Elk Grove's vintage park building. I don't know which is bigger. But this thing is designed to hold a lot of really large wards.) It'll change things a lot. Before, members often walked to church. There used to be 4 buildings that this one is replacing. The distance to some member's houses is a lot bigger now. I wonder what will happen, but it is a lot more capable of expanding the church now. A lot of the old buildings were too small. And member missionary work has been big here for a long time now. I'm excited to see how it continues to progress. Next step is a Temple in Gwangju!

But when Elder Christofferson came to our stake, we had to investigators come, and as we were walking, we saw him get out of the elevator, so they both got to shake his hand. It was so awesome. Tons of people. Easily over a thousand people were there. More than I've ever seen gathered in one place. It's true. The work is hastening. He talked about it too. Said that with the completion of the new building, we've seen a lot of progress in this part of the world, but our Stake President was already looking ahead to when there would be a new Temple. He talked about the need to continue the work of Salvation. And the most urgent place, he said, was in our own home. Scriptures, prayer, family home evening. He knows it is not always easy, he even admitted at times to have dosed off during those things once or twice himself, but he testified of how powerful they really are. It was amazing.

I love this work. I feel like those two investigators can get baptized this transfer. And there was another and his friend that couldn't come because one injured his leg, but they're amazing too. The work is busy, and I love it. I'm sorry I've been so bad about post mission prep, but I'm in close to denial about it right now. I know that I'll be coming home the weekend of the 14th, but I'd recommend contacting the office for more information.

I'll be sure to bring my study journal next week. I feel like I don't stand a chance of writing any of it more now... The church is true. The spirit I felt this weekend was so strong. Hearing an Apostle, seeing saints, and feeling the difference in the room after the dedicatory prayer. It felt like a chapel... I love this message so much. We are children of God. He is involved in our lives, and he loves us more than we can possibly comprehend.

I love you all, and I can't wait to share more next time. As it is, I'm almost out of time.

Until next time!

~Elder Robarts