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

2014.05.25 (Monday, the 26th his time)

Monday we met with the assistant ward mission leader and talked about how to build Mokpo this next transfer. The main situation is last year there was a big push for member missionary work and referrals. Because of that, a lot of members feel like they don't know who else they can invite. There s a great opportunity with Elder Christofferson coming, but there's no one to share it with. That s how a lot of them feel anyway. One thing we're focusing on is past received referrals. Trying again with those that didn't accept it the first time.

After that we saw an awesome miracle. We were going shop for the week and we met an awesome guy on the street. Introduced us to his friend that teaches a Taekwondo academy, talked with him for a while and said he wanted to meet again. Talked with a couple other awesome people later that evening too as we were going to visit a member. 

Throughout the week we saw a lot of other miracles too. We met a lot of students at a university here that were super awesome, one of them attends a local church and wanted to know what happened to ancestors who didn't know about God.. The days I love to be a missionary. :D Such a great discussion.

Then there's transfers. My new companion is awesome. He works really hard, I am pretty sure he is half giant, he studies a lot, and he has a really outgoing personality.

In the past couple of days, we met a couple of cool people on the street, and saw some big miracles. Saturday's miracles were the best. We played basketball with a kid we met a couple days back and told him about ourselves a little more, then he invited us over to his house for dinner the next day. When we visited, his family was awesome. He loves church, and says he wants to come to ours. The mom wants a church, but tried to go to a different one for a while and it didn't feel the way she wanted. She's super open though. And they're such a fun family.

Then we had English class and an after party which went really well. (The assistant ward mission leader is a manager at a meat processing factory, so he likes to organizes 고기 Parties. Essentially BBQ^^) A lot of investigators came or stayed after Eng class, plus a long time Less Active suddenly came and introduced two students from his academy who wanted to meet us. It was a super good time.   I think we'll be able to meet a lot of them again. The member I was really excited about. I'd been looking for him for a while. I had heard of him before, but I didn't have an address for his work, so I could never find him. Then, without us even saying anything, he appears at just the right time. It's official. We've got the best Boss.

I absolutely love Mokpo. It's so beautiful, and I see so many miracles happening this transfer. I'm excited. I'll have to send a picture of my new companion. He's a football player, super fast learner, and has a really outgoing personality.

Then if that wasn't awesome enough, we have an Apostle coming this week! It's going to be awesome! I hope everything is going well back home. You're in my prayers. The more I serve, the more grateful I feel to have the family that I do. It's such an incredible blessing.

You're all the best! have a good week!

Elder Robarts

2014.05.18

2014-05-12

There were a lot of things to be grateful for today. First off, I got to say hi to my family. Not much better than that!

Then Spaulding was resurrected

Most probably don't know Spaulding, but he is a small music player that has technical difficulties when experimented with too much. Lately he has been acting up, but he has recovered. Found out that in order for his immune system to work and allow him to fix himself, he needs a good charge. Once he's fully charged, I know a complex series of steps that usually cures him.

Oven

We bought an oven! A little toaster oven. Not too impressive, but it can make bread! And it's not a rice maker... We've only practiced a couple times, but I like it.^^

Ice cream

Found a place that had a good deal on tubs of icecream

Not the little bars but the real stuff. It's a little more bulk than we are used to. Which means, I begin saving pennies... One day.

Met a less active for the first time This week

We've been trying to visit for ages, but they've been busy. We met them, they're awesome. Love the missionaries. And they came out to church this week, so we're super happy.^^

Yep, good start to the week. The rest was pretty good too, but we got some sad news. One of the investigators here who was planning on getting baptized out of no where says that he needs to move to America in two weeks for school. Super busy, couldn't meet, and it doesn't look like he'll be able to be baptized before he goes. Time to refer to California! 

Trying to think of what other news there was. Transfer calls come today, but we don't have them yet. Looking forward to seeing what happens.^^

 I love you!

~Elder Robarts

2014.05.11 Mother's Day Letter

Surprise!

I wasn't sure if we'd be emailing on Mother's day, but I've got a little time.^^

I love you all so much. I don't even know where to begin. I'll start with mom. Here in Korea, it's not as big. May has lots of holidays, including one for parents day. But Mothers day isn't celebrated. I sure am glad for my mother though. She's a saint,she almost single handed raised 8 children, and I don't think I have ever heard her say a negative thing about the matter. Maybe that it is sometimes tiring or that she wishes she was better than she already is, but never did I hear her say that it wasn't worth it. I never heard her complain of the sacrifices she made. But I can see what she has given for us, and I am so grateful for it. I remember as a toddler asking her to read to me and having her share with me Jesus the Christ. Those who know the story know how special it is to me. It was the start of our reading club, but more than that, it became a firm anchor in my own testimony. Young as I was, I didn't understand what was being read, but even now I remember the feeling I had as I listened. As I grew older, that feeling helped me recognize the spirit more. I don't know if she fully knows what she has done for me, but I hope one day she can feel a piece of it.

That was only one of many memories of my mother. Others include a quiet morning where we go on a bike ride with just the two of us. I still don't remember the reason or purpose of the ride, but as the last of eight children, that quiet time with just the two of us felt very special to me. There were a lot of those. I also recall nights of reading club, days spent baking together and learning the joys of cooking. I remember days being taught with my mom as my teacher, learning anything from math to art. Never criticizing, always supporting. I felt like I could ask her anything. Often, she would tell me where to find the answers, other times she would teach me herself. She taught me love, as well as faith. She shared with me the joy of learning. I remember her often saying, "look in the dictionary," or "if you can read, you can cook." Those practices helped me more than I would ever know. They taught me curiosity and gave me a thirst for knowledge.

But the thing I am the most grateful for is the home she provided for us. A sanctuary for the spirit. Family prayer and scripture reading has always been natural because from the time I was young, she protected those habits. I don't remember many days where we did not pray together or read together from the scriptures. I remember monday nights of family home evenings. We may have missed sometimes, and I may not remember what we talked about or learned, but I remember what I felt. And that too has become an anchor for my testimony. 

Looking back, it would have been easy to lose those blessings. Easy not to pray. Easy not to get up for seminary. But I had a mother that fought for them. Protected them. Even when it was hard. I didn't realize what difference that makes in a family. But I do now. I can say with confidence that I know Christ is my Savior. And I, like the Sons of Helaman, attribute that to my mother.

My mom is awesome. She's artistic, a great cook, powerful reader, and wise friend. She's a shoulder I could always lean on, arms ready to embrace, and has ears that would always listen. In times of trial, I would always find her in prayer. And then, with a heart of faith, she would give the Lord her all. I've never seen her decline a calling, despite demands on her time, I never heard her speak against poorly of those the Lord has chosen, even when her thoughts disagreed. She showed me what loyalty to the Lord meant. She showed me trust in something more.

I love her more than words can express, and I am proud to be her son.

So don't all be jealous, I'm sure your mothers are great too, but I'm inclined to say mine is the best.

~Elder Robarts

2014.05.06 email received

Dear Home,

I like the idea of having notes prepped ahead of time, but it's weird trying to manage the flow of the letter when there's a big block thrown in that I wrote days ago. 

This week has been pretty fun. In Korea, there are a lot of holidays in may, so we have been doing a lot of proselyting activities to find people to teach. On Monday it was Childrens Day here, so our mission decided to move Pday to Wednesday in order to take advantage of all the families going out. A lot of people were there, so it was pretty successful. Hopefully we will be able to meet a lot of them later. But yeah, that was why I wasn't able to email Monday.

I've gotta say, having four Elders in the house again is nice. You can do a lot more when you have more people around. I love how efficient two man houses can be, but I like the perks of four man too.You get to share stories a lot more. Usually serving in a two man and being together twenty-four seven, you have already shared all the stories you can think of.

This month has a lot of excitement going on.Coming up, there are tons of holidays in Korea, then there is a ward fellowshipping activity we are working in to help prepare everyone for the visiting apostle, then Elder Christofferson comes, first to Daejeon to meet the missionaries, then down to Gwangju,so we will get to see him twice! It'll be awesome.

It feels like there is a lot of news, but I'm always at a loss of what to share first. After finding out the notes capability of a translator I use here, I've been finding all sorts of useful things with it. I put PMG on there, I'm working on typing up lesson plans on it, and it is a good place for just simple references. Pretty similar to what I'd been doing with the phone, but with better connections. In a hurry, I also can copy emails onto it and read them later, rather than my method of taking a picture of it like I used to.

Little tricks to make life easier. Of course, these are extremely simple tasks for others with modern technology. As missionaries, we run a little more simple, but I love it. We've also started using little outlines when we make our lesson plans. Found out that helps us a lot. Plus, it makes it easier to record impressions we get for lessons during the week.^^

Yep, Buddha's Birthday, Children's day, things are pretty exciting here. Children's day was the best.

Another fun story: I ran into an old investigator I met a year ago. I met him in Daejeon, and missionaries there found him again. Turns out Mokpo is his hometown and he's started coming down for the weekends to look after his mom. IT was pretty cool to talk with him again. He loves history and says he wants to read the Book of Mormon. He loves the idea of church, but he felt like a lot of them were more monetary than they should be. Loves what he's seen of ours though. He's always been a super nice guy. I hope we get to see him a lot more.^^

~Elder Robarts