It seems like a long time (6 weeks before Elder Meanea leaves the MTC), but I know I need the preparation, and I wouldn't be here if Shen (God) didn't have something for me to do. And Heaven knows I have a lot to learn before I step onto the rich brown soil of Taiwan.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
It was a slower, pretty difficult day for us. We taught a new investigator, Zhou (Joe), who goes to Buddhist study groups, has no professed beliefs or ambitions, and doesn't seem to really want us there. (For the sake of those at home, the "investigators" are teachers here at the MTC, and they play parts for us to teach to. It doesn't make it any less necessary to teach with the Spirit) I felt so useless because he didn't seem to want to hear any more at the end of the lesson, but we managed to schedule a follow-up one for Monday.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Ugh... 50% murph today. 50 pullups, 100 pushups, and 150 squats. Then two 1-mile runs. It's a thing these Elders from the Older district started from a crossfit program. My district wants to get it by the time we leave. Bunch of crazies. I received a transcribed copy of my setting apart blessing, and it was truly a blessing to me. I won't mention specifics, but the amount and power of the blessings that I have been promised by God himself was overwhelming to me. It makes me wonder how I could every deserve any of this, and gives me confidence to trust God more. Because of experiences I've had, not just here but at home as well, I know of God's love for me. And he isn't going to ask me to do something that doesn't elevate me to the highest plains of Celestial joy.
Saturday, July 30, 2016
We had Zone beach volleyball today. None of us are very good, but it's just a fun relaxation time. I also had my first TRC (Teach real converts) so church members who speak Mandarin volunteered to come in and be taught by us. We talked about Christlike attributes, and the lessons seemed to go pretty well, and we had the Spirit with us. We also have 3 additional hours of study time on Saturday in the evening, so part of my district joined with another to map out all of Jacob 5 on the chalkboard. Because that's what we do for fun in the MTC. ;-)
Sunday, July 31, 2016
I took the Sabbath so much for granted when I was home. It truly is a sacred day. Our sacrament was brilliant, with the group leaving for Taipei performing a special musical number about serving in Taiwan. We have some really talented people! Later we had our zone temple walk around the Provo Temple, and a district meeting (Sunday school) about repentance. It was all based on what repentance gives us. Look up "Repentance" in the Bible Dictionary. The definition wasn't what I expected at all! Then we had a great devotional and watched "Joseph" for our movie.
Monday, August 1, 2016
We had back to back lessons with Ding and Zhou. Ding accepted prayer, and praying with her family, but I botched the baptismal invite not once, but three times. Because in Chinese, to make a sentence a question, you put "ma" at the end. I forgot and she seemed confused. Because three times I TOLD her that she WILL ACCEPT BAPTISM. After the third time I apologized and actually asked her if she would accept it. Ah.....
But then the lesson with Zhou was so amazing! The first 15 minutes was a real struggle. We couldn't say anything meaningful, and he wasn't interested, but finally the Spirit moved me to bear my broken Chinese testimony to him about how I knew God loved me through prayer, and he actually seemed interested. The Spirit permeated the rest of the lesson and we are going to teach him again on Thursday. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so faith promoting for me.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
I love my family so much. I can feel everyone's prayers for me, all the time. I know God is uplifting me. Everything this week has been reminding me of my real purpose, and how I need to not only GO on a mission, but SERVE a mission. That was a quote from our Tuesday devotional. Every day I want to wake up and say, "Okay Tianfu (Heavenly Father), it's your plan, and I'm your servant. I trust you. And you can trust me. What do you want me to do today?" I know that as I learn to do that, my heart will be filled with the Spirit, immeasurable joy, and my mouth and mind will be filled with the words I need.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Amazing temple session this morning. I love getting to go there. Then we did some laundry and played some volleyball. It's become a favorite. Chinese is tough, but I'm learning more every day, and I know that I'll be helped. As for the food, to me it's always delicious. I'm sure I'll tire of it after another 6 weeks, but as for now, it's really good! I haven't gotten anything unduly cold or warm, and they serve Creamery ice cream today and Sunday, so that's a plus. ;-)
It has been a spirit filled, growing week for me. All I can do is trust God, obey him, and I don't know how, but he will bless me and all those I love with more comfort, strength, and power than we could ever imagine. I love you family, and I hope you'll also have another amazing week!!
-Elder Meanea
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