心的变化 Hearts can be changed

In the beginning of Alma's ministry to the main body of his people (Alma 5:12), he speaks of his father. Even in the grossest iniquity, Alma the older was able to see the light of the gospel, and then and there decide to change. In that decision, he exercised faith. The instant that he began to exercise his faith, his heart began to change. What does that mean? Is it literal? Is it permanent? This was the most important moment of his life! And so I ask myself, how can I help others have this same change of heart? How can I change my heart? The answer is simple, and yet difficult. We of ourselves do not have power to change others, nor ourselves even! Our desires and appetites are natural to our human state. However, there is power to overcome all these and live better. There is a way to access that power. The power is the atonement of Jesus Christ. The way to access it is the fullness of His gospel. I am so excited to share this message with every person that I meet here in Maryland/DC! We made this new friend that is currently living with a member. We talked to him about the sacrament after a meal with one of the members of the branch. It gave him the desire to come to church on Sunday! He came and I sat with him and he had a great experience! He made new friends, and he learned of the gospel. Exactly why we need to go to church every week! It's funny, one day he was out on a walk, and he discovered a bunch of young men shooting potato guns. They invited him to join in and he shot one! It turns out, that was our branch's young men's organization! He already had made friends with mormons and he didn't even know it! We drove over 100 miles on saturday to get to appointments and to help cantonese members teach those investigators from guang zhou. Again, I had no idea what was being said... But I think they talked about prayer (: He is still unwilling to pray! But I know that his heart can change, just like Alma's, and every one of us. I hope we each can continually become able to do more good, as our hearts turn to Christ. I hope to be able to share many miracles, of changing hearts on this blog -Elder Lim

Mandarin AND Cantonese??

Working with my Chinese companion is crazy!!! Not only is his mandarin super proficient, but his native language is actually cantonese! So those people that we would otherwise have no means to communicate with, can hear and understand the message of the gospel. We were searching out former investigators, and there was one in particular that said they were super nice people, but hard of hearing so they weren't interested at all. It turns out that they just don't really speak any mandarin! They were really willing to come to church, but not too interested in diving into the commitments we gave them to begin praying to God and to read the scriptures individually and as a family. I actually have no idea what is going on in lessons because I don't speak cantonese! I can say hello, and I speak mandarin, not cantonese. Too much fun! It was a miracle to see them come to church on sunday. They also brought their neighbor from hong kong. Our gospel principles class was perfect and amazing! Chapter 17, the restoration of the gospel! All the cantonese speaking members were so willing to translate for them and become their friends. It is the most beautiful thing to come together as brothers and sisters, from different lands and different cultures, to discuss and inspire each other to live better. In fact, to live the best way possible. To fill the measure of our creation! I love being able to help people see their divine heritage and destiny, and feel the love that God does have for them. As I do so, I feel His great love for me, and I feel closer to filling my own purpose. I feel so content every hour of the day, because my focus is on others. Right now we're gearing up for a family history activity! It's going to be soo interesting and so much fun! As far as my knowledge, there isn't too much work done in the Chinese division of family history. They have records, but it's not put into systems like family search where everyone can access that precious information. I hope we can light a fire that will turn hearts of the Chinese people to the salvation of their ancestors. That will bring so much joy to all the children of God! It's a beautiful day out on the mall, and no way to see it all in 100 preparation days! I love DC! :)

October beginnings

I cannot believe that one year ago I was in the middle of my MTC experience?? Preparing mentally, spiritually, linguistically, to come to this very place, where I now work and serve. Today marks the beginning of a new transfer, with just Elder Wenfa He and me! I knew such a day would come almost 10 months ago! He has grown so much. When he first entered the field, he had only been a member for 2 years! All that he knew to tell people was to follow the example of Jesus Christ. When I would talk to him about his personal testimony of why people should do that, he had no answer! Now, he is a converted disciple of Jesus Christ, and the most wonderful teacher. He has rich experiences that relate so well to the people we work with. He knows what it is like to live a hard life.. He knows what it's like to be unsure about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, as we all do. But now, he truly knows what Christ has done for him. He knows the difference of the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that he has learned so much, and I am very much looking forward to serving with him these next few weeks. Elder Ng is now serving on bike in Kensington, right down the street from the temple, WITH ELDER SYNELNIKOV! How crazy is that??? Elder Synelnikov is the district leader down there. This week I've been working really hard to create a vision for myself. Both of the kind of person/missionary I want to become and every way I can help the branch continue to progress to a zion like people! I know that through the atonement, the grace of my savior, all things are possible. I've seen and felt him change me. I know that he can do the same for all the people of this area. We're going to start working a lot more in the University of Maryland! Young people and families are so prepared to receive the fulness of the gospel. Right now, we don't have anyone progressing to baptism, but we continue to work as hard as we can! I feel content and successful with my effort level :) I got the 'diligence' award in my district for the transfer! Remember to read the Book of Mormon daily, and to invite all to come closer to the Savior, who stands ready to receive them.

'Longsuffering'

     

What a week it has been. Heavenly Father is really putting me through the ringer! I am continually stretched in so many ways, I can't wait for the day when I'm just everything I need to be to serve the Lord! I don't think that day will come in the next year and a half.. So I'm learning to enjoy the growing pains!
     A couple days ago, I just didn't know what to do. There was no one to visit, nothing to do. I just sat in front of our map for a couple hours racking my brain. I have such a strong desire to teach! To serve! To love and to learn. But that's impossible if I'm stuck in the apartment.. After struggling forever... The Lord's mercy came. I just felt ideas flow into my mind! I envisioned the kind of missionary that I want to be. Bold. Talking to everyone. Finding people for the English Elders to teach. Finding so many Chinese people that we don't have time to rest! Just invite invite invite. It all came down to better planning. And so everyday after that has been so awesome! Yesterday I served we did some special service! But...I got bunches of mosquito bites :P Sacrifice brings the blessings of heaven! I hope this softens his heart up :)