2013.12.29 email

What an awesome week!

Some of the highlights: Had a last meeting with an investigator. Prepared guy, let me tell you. He's moving to Seoul, but we've been meeting for 4 weeks, and he's accepted the message of the Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ really well. And when it came up that he's moving, He asked Us to introduce him to the missionaries up there. There's a new light in his eyes each time we met. He reads and prays so well, and he told us he felt something different when he prayed with us for the last time. He's so ready to receive the Gospel, we're going to be following up a lot as he keeps meeting in Seoul. His family is still down here, so he plans to visit a lot. Such a great person, we'll both miss him a ton.

Also, there's a program here to help with member missionary work. First off, we always pray for members. We pray for them, and they pray for our investigators. We've so many miracles like the investigator who disappeared for two months and came back. Now we're praying for them. And specifically, we pray with a ward list next to us, and we pray to know who has someone near them that is being prepared to receive the Gospel. If a name comes, talk to them. If not, don't worry. But when we talk, simply share the experience, acknowledge they probably don't know who it is either, but ask them to pray to know who, and how they can invite. So far, we've had two names come to mind. First time, the member brought a friend to church, even before we had a chance to talk to him. Then this week, the name of a less active came to mind. We went to visit last night, and before we could mention it, he said he knew someone for us to visit. Needless to say, we were surprised both times, but it was pretty amazing.

We had a good Christmas, and I've been able to learn a lot recently. One thing about having a district to look after. Makes you think a LOT. This week, my thoughts are on Ammon and Aaron, and some differences in their experiences. Alma 17-21ish if you're interested. Ammon became a servant, and sought for them to become his friends and "brethren" (Alma 17:30). Aaron and some of the others were more simply "contending about the word" (Alma 21:11). At least at first. It changed after they met up with Ammon again. Results changed too.

Last week, the impression that came was that what we teach doesn't help them nearly as much as what they learn on their own. Our goal should always be to help them learn for themselves. Especially through the scriptures.

This week, the impression is that in order to help them do that, we must first be their friends, their brethren. We must love them and want their happiness. That should be more important to us that simply teaching material. Big lesson that I wanted to remember. And it's something we always need a refresher on sometimes.

The feeling is just so weird sometimes. Having ideas of things I need to consider and study, extending beyond myself. As a result, it helps me a lot more than anything else. But I've really come to learn how sacred that time is in District Meeting. It's a time where we can receive revelation. And preparing for it, I've felt that revelation come a number of times. Sometimes through external sources. This morning, I read it in the Book of Mormon, President Shin even mentioned it in the Conference Call with the mission this week. It all confirmed the things I was already thinking about. The spirit truly is a powerful thing.

But it's not just in missionary work. Every week our family has District Meeting. It just goes by the name of Family Home Evening. Every week we have an opportunity to create an environment to receive revelation. And in preparing for it, we can experience those same impressions. When I made that connection, it brought a lot of peace. Heaven knows, I'd miss this feeling if I couldn't have it anymore after my mission. But we all can. That's the beauty of the Gospel.

~~~~

It may not show, but that's been on my mind a lot lately. But in other news, life is good, I love the tie you guys sent me. Everything else is amazing too, but that was something I've been looking forward to. It's nice to look at in the morning. I hope you guys enjoyed the phone call as much as I did. I know it can be stress sometimes with such a short time, but I loved it.

I hope you are all doing well! I love you! Have an awesome week, and remember that God loves you! Happy new year!

~Elder Robarts

2013.12.22 email

New email place, and I'll say this: It has very nice chairs...

Now that that's out of the way... IT'S CHRISTMAS! (Almost)

I love this work. My head hasn't stopped spinning since I got here really. There's always a person to help, a new method to try. Recently, we've been thinking about what we have to do in order to help people come unto Christ. A thought that I've been thinking about a lot this week is follow up visits. I've said it before. This is Korea, and people are BUSY. We're lucky to meet them once a week. Daily contact isn't usually possible. Since there is no time, follow up visits are hard to manage, but we've been thinking about their importance. Lessons allow us to share testimony, but in all reality, these follow up visits are solely meant to Build Theirs. We've been trying ways to include those, including alternating lessons and follow ups each time we meet, and there seems to be a difference. People are making life changing decisions. It helps to give them time to share, without other expectations.

But I won't go super deep into it. That's just one of the focuses for our district recently.

Seriously though, it's Christmas! What a blessing it is to know that a Baby was born to save the world.  To be completely honest, it's hard for me to picture Christ as a baby. I've thought about that time, and I've thought about the time of the second coming, but the most distinct image I have of Him in my mind was during his mortal life. His example and sacrifice. His love for everyone who came to Him. The Atonement. It leaves such a strong impression that it's hard to comprehend that it all started in a manger. But it did. He is the Savior of the World, but He calls no glory to Himself. His desires were always for others.

And for two short years, I get to share it with everyone I meet. That's what I'm grateful for.

So, With Christmas, I suppose there are some things to mention. I'll try to call 10am on Christmas here. That's some time in the evening Christmas eve there. I can't remember what all is necessary for the conference call (might not work with the number I'm using), so I'm guessing I'll have to use separate calls. I'm looking forward to it though. It's been a while since I've heard your voices. Yep, it'll be short, but it'll be good. Let's try not to stress over it though. We know we won't be able to share everything. It's not really what it's meant for. (we can always write letters, right? ^^) It's just to get a chance to talk. A little soul to soul action. 

Needless to say, it'll be good. I love you guys. I've grown to love so many people and places here, but I'll always remember my home. I think about you almost as often as the people I'm working with here, and I pray for you with all my heart.

Coolest thing this week: Taught a woman on the train for two hours last week on the way to the Christmas party up in Daejeon. She used to go to church, but stopped going. We got to talking about her family, and we talked about the Plan of Salvation and the Restoration. She seemed genuinely interested in it, and said she would read the Book of Mormon. Here's the fun part. Turns out she lives in our area. So we said we'd love to talk again, and she said she might come to our ward christmas party. ^^ Keep your arms folded! (Mormon twist on keep your fingers crossed. Sorry, I'm losing my jokes...)

The Christmas party was good. Had a white elephant exchange. Got a santa puppet. Got to see some old friends and listen to amazing music. Good times. Anyway, almost out of time, so time for pictures. Do I even have any? I'll have to check. Love you!

~Elder Robarts

2013.12.15 email

love you guys. It's been a crazy week, but here are the highlights.

Our zone is reading the BoM in its entirety this transfer. We just finished Purification, a self examination of ourselves and letting go anything that takes away from the work. This transfer is filling in those holes with the spirit, especially through the Book of Mormon. Since starting, so many promptings have come of how we can use it. Making time to share things we learn. But even more, a way to use it on the street. Every morning I write scriptures that hit me. Then I choose one or two to share on the street. One thing I noticed. People are /really/ willing to listen when we ask if we can share something we learned. And that leads perfectly into a discussion of the Gospel. Lots of miracles there.

Also, an old investigator came to church this week! He's been a miracle since the day we met him. But after church, we talked with him, and he said he still wants to get baptized. He's spending the week thinking about when he feels he'll be ready. We know he is though. We're so excited for him.

There's so much more to share, but I'm out of time. Since I became DL, emailing president takes a little more time. Discussing needs in Korean takes a while... I love you guys though! I'll try to get back into writing hard letters, but I have no idea when. I'm hoping you'll forgive me. I look forward to hearing you next week! Have a great one! Love you!

~Elder Robarts

2013.12.08 email

Dear Home,

Sorry, not much time this week. First P-day of transfer, we had a service project, and between a couple other things, not much time left. Lot's of news for President too. So, I've got a little time left.

This week was awesome. I invested time in making some cups for teaching the restoration. (They're pretty nice, and they've already seen a lot of use.) I'll send pictures.

Also, that member of my district who was sick is completely better now, and we saw a couple miracles this week. I'm still in 풍향 (Wind) by the way. (Yep, and it sure gets windy sometimes. Not bad now though.^^) Forgot that transfer calls came after email. Not much changed. One sister finished her mission and is heading back to the states, so a new one transferred here, but other than that, no one moved. Not everyday you see that. ^^ But I love this place. The people we get to work with are incredible. And we're meeting a lot of new people recently. We're focusing on BoM and gratitude in teaching, and learning to recognize the blessing the Lord has given us. Should be good.^^

We're hoping that we'll be able to Baptize one person before Christmas, and right now there are two people in mind. One of them said he feels like the church is true, but says its hard to leave the church he's already attending and the people he knows there. The other is a man who has been seeking more faith for years. We met him when I first got here, he's golden really. Says he wants to be baptized, but doesn't always feel ready. He got busy with preparing for tests lately, and it was hard contacting him for a long time, but he suddenly texted us a couple weeks back. He finished his first test, and he wants to meet us again. Planning on this Wednesday. Keep them in you prayers! ^^

I love you all. I love the power of the Book of Mormon. I love the simpleness of the Gospel. I've had the chance to hear a lot of the beliefs of other churches here. Some mislead, some blatantly taking away from the savior, but every time I'm led back to my testimony that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that Joseph Smith, it's translator, was and is God's Prophet. God lives.

I'm out of time, but you're in my prayers. Until next time!

~Elder Robarts

2013.12.01 email

Hello! Thanks for all the Birthday wishes. I'll be completely honest, I forget when it is sometimes. But it was great. I had a good quiet birthday this year, got to partake of the Sacrament. ^^ But it had a couple unplanned surprizes. A member of my district came down really sick. He's still not doing very well, so if you can keep him in your prayers, that would be amazing.

I wanted to mention though. The handwarmers are amazing. (To be completely honest, I guessed what they were. So... When we got a cold spell, I may have opened them early. Hoped you wouldn't mind.) I showed them to a member here and it turns out they sell them here too. At unexplainable places called 문구s. (One stop student shop. Office supplies, fun odds and ends, best places to explore.) Those ones aren't as good quality, but they're a good addition. The ones here have a about a 5 minute lifespan, so they're good flares to thaw out your hand so it still works right. (Not that it's gotten that cold yet.) Wouldn't have found them without the ones you sent, so thanks! I don't expect to have cold hands any time soon.

Other than that, we've been working hard to meet investigators. They're all super busy, so it's hard to find time, but they're doing great. Thank you so much for your prayers! That's been a big topic lately. The one place where missionaries and members can always be united is through prayer. Pray for them, and ask them to pray for your investigators. Such a big blessing, one I've seen a lot here.^^

I love you all. I don't say that enough. Lately we've been seeing so many little miracles, I know this work is true. I may beat myself down a lot because I don't feel enough sometimes, but I love this work. I've been recognizing the power of the small and simple things lately. Gratitude. Prayer. The Book of Mormon. How often do we think of the divine love of God, so powerful that He reaches out to us every moment, regardless of our choices? How often does He forgive, uplift, and sanctify us? I ask people on the street all the time if they've ever thought about God, or the purpose of our lives. I used to be surprized when they told me they hadn't. But it's easy to forget. He's our Father. Jesus Christ is His Son, and our Redeemer. He's shown us the way to return. I don't think we can thank Him enough for that.

It's Christmas season, thanksgiving season. I've been shocked by how many traditions I've been sharing out here. Turns out there were a lot. Thanks to mom for that. I didn't realize just how powerful they were until now. The tradion in mind today is our thankful chain. Thanksfiving to Christmas, writing down the things we're grateful for. Then reading them together. I liked to share Alma 26:8 as we talked about it. One sister we visited said that she'd been thinking about a way she could help her family be more thankful. She was really grateful that we shared it. Turns out the Lord is pretty knowing of the needs of His children.

Awesome week, despite some hardships. Out of time though. I love you guys! Have a great week!

~Elder Robarts

201.11.24 email

Dear Home,

Another week, and boy was a good one. So many miracles. First off, there was a Baptism yesterday that has to be mention. He met the missionaries months ago. Slowly progressed in the Gospel, but Baptism was always just out of reach. Then transfers came, he met missionaries a while, but disappeared soon afterward. Then, a couple weeks ago the other elders meet him suddenly on the street. He agrees to meet, but he's going to military- Tomorrow- and neither of them thought he'd be ready before then to be Baptized. Then we had Stake Conference, the missionary who originally taught him was there, and they were able to talk. Mission President had a two hour lesson with him too. Afterwards, he decided to pray if he should be Baptized. The next day he said he wanted to. So this last Sunday before he leaves he was Baptized and Confirmed. It was my first time giving a Baptismal interview since that short time as DL in the MTC. Completely different. The spirit was so strong. Going in, we were concerned if he might be really ready. He'd had doubts about if God really exists, but we could see the faith in him. I decided to fast the day before the interview, and we saw some cool miracles that day. (later...) But we talk, and it's clear he's ready. We talk a little about Holland's April Conference Talk, and he showed a lot of commitment to follow Christ, even though it will be hard during military service. A really cool experience. And it shows the Lord's timing so well. It never could have happened like this if the Lord hadn't helped. Align them to meet again in the street, talk together at Conference, and soften his heart so that he could receive this answer for himself.

So cool. We also got a text from a former investigator. He was golden. Started as a wrong number. Had interest, progressed, worked towards baptism, then suddenly disappeared. He says he feels terrible for not contacting us. He's been so worried and stressed about an exam he's preparing for his work. But the exam ends in two weeks and he wants to meet again. I think he's ready. Ever since I met him, he's seemed like someone has prepared us to teach. Praying for a miracle. ^^

Met an awesome Korean couple that lived in America and came to visit family. Going back this week, but they said they wanted to learn more about "Mormon." Little seeds. ^^ 

 

Also met with an investigator, loves members, just doesn't get the importance of a one true church. Yet this time he seemed to really take it seriously. We talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he opened up a lot. He asked him to pray about Baptism, and if he really needs it. He's doing great.

Other than that, lots of wind today. Yesterday too. Leaves EVERYWHERE. It's cool watching them from a window in our apartment. Clouds of leaves carving between buildings. I got a picture from the ground to send, but it doesn't do justice.

I love this work. The more you remember that the only way you find, teach, and Baptize is through the Lord's miracles, the more success you see. I love you guys. Miss you terribly. But I find peace in the power of this message.

Take care! Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for the package! 잘 먹겠습니다! ^^ Time goes so quickly here... I don't want this time to end. But that just makes us push harder. ^^ Have a great week!

 

~Elder Robarts

 

2013.11.17 email

Another good week ended on a high note. We had our Stake's Stake Conference this weekend, and it was amazing. Some really awesome talks about missionary work, and how we can see the Lord's influence in our lives through sharing that influence with others. Also, with so much more instruction from the Brethren on the importance of missionary work and going to the rescue, we've seen a huge change. The Youth is almost the most impressive to me. Almost all of them are willing to visit LA young men together. One of them calls a number of them every week. And they've invited a number of friends to activities here. The love of God is contagious, and it's spreading here. We're still trying to help transition these experiences to opportunities to teach and help them become converted, but the efforts here are moving forward.

We also had a meeting with the Mission and Stake Presidents to train us. Awesome men. The Stake President shared an experience of his youth, wanting to go to church, but having parents that were against it. He would pretend to go out to play soccer, then change and go to church. He decided he wanted to study at BYU so he could go to church, even though he'd been accepted into one of the greatest universities in Korea. The whole time, he prayed for his father's heart to be softened. His commitment to the church and his love for the youth is evident in everything he does. They're so important to him, and he has a fire about him that is incredible to see.

Lately, I've had a lot of experiences that have strengthened my testimony of the Gospel. Investigators who live without the truth of the Book of Mormon, seeking for answers that are so easily found in its pages, but blind to see them because they do not look. Other churches that teach of secrets and shadows, but reject the gift of revelation and a loving Father. This is the truth. God lives, He speaks, and He is a part of our lives. He'll guide our steps as soon as we reach out for His hand. We are blessed to have a living Prophet, and the Restored Priesthood on the earth, through which we can return to live with our Father in Heaven, together with our families. The answers are before us. All that is left is to trust him.

Truly, 2 years is to short a time to share this message.

I love you all. Before I wrap up, a few fun things. Had a funny experience today. So there are kind of bath house things here. 목욕탕. Usually, you go, and there are showers and hot pools and sauna type rooms. But it's full of a lot of naked guys usually. Today we found a really small one near our house, but there was no one there. So, just the two of us. A little weird, but it was relaxing. Been a couple months since I've been to one.

Found a new obsession with index cards with good scriptures that I hide in my Korean Bible I carry. Maybe pictures later, but one of them focused on cross references that connect the Bible to the BoM and restoration. (That one was fun. ^^) Analogies are fun to collect too. One new one recently compares our relationship to God with 정. So simple, but genius. Lots of people don't know much about God here, or how it's possible to have a relationship with Him, but everyone knows 정, and everyone knows how it's formed. With God, it's the same.

Started snowing a couple minutes ago. First snow here in 광주. Winter is on the way. ^^ 

When you can, read D&C 88. We're reading it as a mission for Purification, and it's Gold. You'll find some familiar scriptures, but there's some that are truly hidden treasures.

Outside of that.. I got the package! Halloween and Thanksgiving! The Halloween one was great, we used the decorations for our Halloween party. ^^ And I've started my thankful chain. Not much time, but I'll get it finished by Christmas. You guys are the best. Have a great week!

~Elder Robarts