12 Dec, 2016 - Hot Pot, Yoda's Baptism and Transfers

My dearest family and friends! It has been a freaking amazing week here in Taiwan, and a sad one as well! I ended up getting transferred, leaving my dear Fengshan behind. I'm excited to start a new adventure here though.

Monday, 5 Dec 2016
We went to a giant Buddhist theme park/ temple. I'll let the pictures tell that story. It was crazy! We saw what they claim to be as Buddha's tooth in a glass case, and we saw a lot of statues and really cool stuff! Yeah, I'll really just let the pictures do the talking. And then we got to Pingdeng just in time to do an interview for a guy that the Zone Leaders are baptizing. It was really cool because he actually decided he wanted to wait until next year, but he sincerely wanted to be able to come to church regularly. He wanted to be ready to enter into this sacred covenant, and Elder Gasser really felt his sincerity. It was really cool to see how committed this kid was to following Heavenly Father.

Tuesday, 6 Dec 2016
We had my second person ever pull off to talk to us! She seemed really interested in why two white kids would be riding the streets sharing about Jesus, and we actually invited her to the Ward Christmas party this weekend. So that was cool. Just goes to show you should always be doing what you need to be doing so Heavenly Father can put those people in your path that you need to find. We had our last visit with the Cai family, except we thought it was Elder Gasser's last, not mine. It was so cute, because their little daughter Peichen, when she heard Elder Gasser might be leaving said, "That's okay, we still have Elder Meanea!" It made me just a bit happy. ;-) I really love that family and am going to miss them so much. Also, it was such a tender miracle that night. We had set up Ivy, our nurse friend who actually is getting baptized next Monday (the 19th) for her last lesson the next day. Elder Gasser left for a second, and we still hadn't found a person to go with us, since we needed another adult male. After a few minutes I called to the other room to ask what we were going to do. No response. I peeked in, and Elder Gasser was face down on his bed, dead asleep. I kind of panicked really bad for a moment, but then I knelt down and said a prayer. I didn't have the Chinese skills to call people to set up for a lesson, and also call Ivy to reschedule her lesson. But I prayed, and five minutes later, it was all done. That was not me. I was so grateful for the care of a loving Father in Heaven. He gave me what I needed, right when I needed, I was so overwhelmed.

Wednesday, 7 Dec 2016
It was fun watching Ivy light up with excitement as we taught about Temples and the work we can do for ourselves and others inside. It really reminds me how amazing this message of the Gospel is, and how many people need to hear the hope we have to bring. We also got asked to another Buffet type place, and my new favorite thing is Fish balls with peanut butter inside. ;-) Then we taught a little kids class that night with a lesson I planned. We actually made it out alive, so that's a plus.

Thursday, 8 Dec 2016
We had an amazing District Training Meeting (My last, apparently). It was really cool, because a sister in our district is going home, so she gave her "Reflection," which basically means they just sum up what their mission really taught them in about 5 minutes. She told us a quote she heard once, that the entire reason any of us are on missions is because of the Atonement. It really hit me that that's true. The Atonement is the greatest gift any of us could never pay for. What does it mean to you?

I also pulled up to a stoplight and said "Merry Christmas" to someone, and all the people in front turned around because I said it too loud, and one actually pulled away, scared of the white guy. xD

Friday, 9 Dec 2016
We did weekly planning and then went to do exchanges with the zone leaders. It was so cool! At first I was feeling a bit useless, since Elder Parker's Chinese is really good, and mine's super eh.... but then I decided I just needed to trust heavenly father, and be whatever tool he needed me to be, and to just keep trying. And then at a stop light, I felt like I should go talk to a guy. He said he was really sad at the moment, so he didn't want to say no to us because he was sad, but said he wanted to talk to us later. And then I was waiting for Elder Parker while he was in the bathroom and this guy walked up to me in a convenience store and asked what nights our church had activities.... totally random, and I was able to answer him. It was another huge testament to Heavenly Father's care for me.

Saturday, 10 Dec 2016
We finished our transfer by eating at ANOTHER HOT POT (basically buffet thing) and some amazing Taiwanese ice cream. Then Elder Gasser and I got back just in time to buy presents for the ward Christmas party, go to Yoda's BAPTISM, which was great. Their family actually invited some people who came to that and the Christmas party afterwards. The party was hilarious. See attached Videos for us laughing to death a dance routine the Relief Society and High Priests did. Then Elder Gasser and I did a semi-okay guitar/piano Silent Night. We didn't get to practice before, so don't judge! Then we went home that night, waited for the call, and did it come! I was told I was moving up to Taichung, a place called Beitun. With an Elder Burge! I'm so sad to be leaving Fengshan, but I know there are great things in store waiting for me up there.

Sunday, 11 Dec 2016
Bishop asked me to give my testimony in Sacrament meeting, No, I didn't cry. Barely. After studies we went and visited Li in the hospital. He broke a rib earlier this week and couldn't move very well. We took him the sacrament, which he really appreciated. He is such an amazing man. I really can't describe what his example has done for me in my life. I hope the ward takes good care of him. It was probably hardest to say goodbye to him. Sam wasn't home, but I got his address so I can write him. And then, I packed!

So it's been a great week. And I'm looking forward to many more amazing, tough, spiritual, grinding, uplifting, glorious weeks serving the Lord, and teaching the people of Taiwan about my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you all.

-Elder Meanea

05 DEC, 2016 "You must complete your training!" -Yoda

This is John, Elder Meanea's father. Elder Meanea's sister normally updates his blog with his weekly letters home, but she was in the middle of finals and traveling for a few weeks so I offered to do it for her... but I am late and slow. We will get caught up though... following is Elder Meanea's letter from December 5th:

Hello my amazing family! It's been a fantastic week here in Fengshan, Taiwan, and I'm excited to share all about it with you. So, without much ado, I'll type it out here as you like it. Just please don't make a comedy of my errors in writing this to you. ;-)

Monday, 28 Nov 2016
We went out and did a bit of shopping today for Christmas. And then we spent a lot of time on the streets contacting. Even though a lot of people don't have interest, I feel truly blessed by Heavenly Father to have the chance to offer this amazing message to them. It's incredible to me how you can start to feel like you love them even though you've never met these people before, but you pull up, and somehow you can just feel that this is an important person to our Father in Heaven.

Tuesday, 29 Nov 2016
We were going to Sam's house today when this guy rolled up on a moped and asked in a British accent, "Hey, you're the Mormons, right?" I said yeah. He said, "That's so cool, I have a lot of Mormon friends and a Book of Mormon, and your guy's chapel in Kensington is beautiful." I was thinking I'll take your word for it buddy. But he was really nice and I'm guessing had some connection with London, but he was still Taiwanese, so that was cool. We biked A LOT today. I can't remember why, but we just we peddling all day long. It was great. I was also thinking today about how the mission really teaches us to be like the Savior. It really pushes us to think of other people, really try and see what they've been through, because I know without a doubt every person I talk to is such a special person to God. He wants all of us to find as much happiness as we can in this life, and I love that I have the blessing of helping others find a bit of the light he offers us.

Water Fountain Instructions

Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016
Not much happened today except that we didn't have to teach the little kid's english class. We got to be the doormen for the night. ;-) We also had a lady that the sisters from a different ward set up for us, but she forgot, so we got to contact the ENTIRE DAY. I love the opportunities it brings, not so much the sore backsides.

Thursday, 1 Dec 2016
We had a fantastic DTM today. President Teh gave us a few scriptures to just discuss as a district to invite the spirit and find out what we all need to learn personally. It was a real testimony builder that no matter where we are, what we're doing, God always wants us to reach up. All of us, because he can see what we have the potential to become. Yoda, the kid we've been teaching, also had his baptismal interview today! He'll get baptized next Saturday right before the ward Christmas party, so WOO HOO! I also receivved a package of missionary letters, which I always love to read. It really shows me how induvidual each of our calls are, each of our trials and experiences are, and if the mission has taught me something so far, it's that God always has a plan, and whatever happens, it's going to be for our eventual Good and Glory. God won't leave us alone. We're his little kids.

Ward Christmas Flyer

Friday, 2 Dec 2016
Weekly planning party! I don't know why, but I just love that we get to do weekly planning. In the MTC it was a bit... less effective shall we say? Because everything was planned for us and we still had no idea what we were doing, but here we actually get to sit down and pray for God's direction for these people we're teaching, what they need to learn and feel in order to come back to him someday. I was also reading in the Book of Mormon today about Alma's interview with Corianton. He said something interesting. "Ye CANNOT understand them." Alma before has said that the things of man are discerned by the spirit of Man, and the things of God are discerned by the spirit of God. Corianton wasn't trying to answer his problems, doubts and questions through the spirit, so he COULD NOT get an answer. I wonder how many times I've tried to figure out why something happens or why a commandment is the way it is with just my head. It's a great reminder that the spirit should be present in everything we do. It was amazing, that night we were praying for our district, and it was my turn, and I pulled out the list to pray for our fellow missionary's investigators, and as I prayed to help Elder Gasser and I understand their needs, love our own ward, and help the people in our district, I felt such a comfort around me, like Heavenly Father was ready and willing to help us do just that.

Our own Thanksgiving meal in our apartment in Taiwan

Saturday, 3 Dec 2016
Pindong. Again. We had a Baptismal interview there. We also started our fast, and went to the hospital to give a blessing to the sister of the Lady in our ward. The lady is the only member in her family, and everyone else kind of looked at us funny, but we went in to the ICU and blessed her unconscious sister. She had a major kidney problem and hasn't woken up yet, but the sister was very thankful for us coming. (note from John, Elder Meanea's companion Elder Gasser shared the following about this blessing with his parents, "We got a call on Friday from a lady in our ward informing us that her sister was in the hospital, and she wanted us to pray for her. So of course I did. Fell right on my knees. But that's easy. Later that day she called again and asked us to visit her sister with her on Saturday and go give here a priesthood blessing. So we went to the hospital and after teaching Elder Meanea how to anoint someone with oil in Chinese we laid our hands on her head and gave her a blessing. Then...come Sunday the member gets up and bears her testimony relating the story I just related to you. But then she added the what I didn't know yet. Later that Saturday the doctors called her and said that "it was a miracle!" Her sister was still alive and starting to show signs of response. What she had usually kills people off fast. So it was a humbling experience for sure to see the Power of God manifest in such an amazing way.")

Sunday, 4 Dec 2016
A ward that meets in our church building had a stake conference, so our Church moved to 2:00. Not a fun time. xD I was so tired the whole time, but I tried my best to listen. It was worth it, because afterwards half the ward sent food home with us. It was fantastic. Two bags of oranges, two snickers cakes, one chocolate cake, and a bunch of rolls. That night we went to the park to contact, and found a really nice old couple, we were trying to start a gospel conversation, but they just talked and talked and talked. I figure we ended up walking about 3 miles with them around the park.... and then they said they didn't need a Book of Mormon because they're budhists.......... (Silently collapses in defeat) I've never walked so far for one contact. But the thing is, no matter what the effort it on our part, I believe in the promise that no effort is lost. Someday, it will do something for them.

Food ward members gave us!

Well family and friends, I love you all, and I love Taiwan and the people here. I'm excited for another amazing week here, and to continue sharing our Father's and Savior's love with these people. Stay close to the scriptures and prayer.

-Elder Meanea

Thanks

Clever title, isn't it? I have to really try not to let my head get too big with how smart I am sometimes. But that's unimportant, what is important is Hello! My friends and family! My week was a great one, and can be summarized by the following description:

Monday, 21 November 2016
We had to run around and do some shopping. Elder Gasser's lid came off the box on the back of his bike, so we ran to an "Asian Plastic Crap" store, as my father would so refer to it. And it was literally a store full of any kind of plastic made-in-China stuff you can think of. It was great. Then we mailed some stuff, and went out boldly into the night, biking the streets of Fengshan in search of someone willing to hear the Gospel of Salvation!

All of Elder Meanea's flashcards to memorize!

Tuesday, 22 November 2016
We spent a large amount of our time going through the absolute mountain of records in the apartment and found some former investigators we wanted to try getting in contact with. There are some interesting stories on some of those teaching records. It's like the journal of all the inspiration and hard work of missionaries throughout the history of Fengshan. That night we went to Sanya's house, she is a single mother investigator, and her kid is the one I want to fees chloroform cookies. We got him to behave because we brought Cai our recent convert along for the lesson. He's a teddy bear, but looks like he could be a super mean Taiwanese man. That night we also went to McDonalds for dinner, and found out they were doing a special, and were still selling pancakes that night. It took me back many years to chow down on those microwaved pieces of cardboard smothered in butter and syrup. I felt like a kid again. 

Wednesday, 23 November 2016
We had a review lesson with Sam today, we talked a lot about how we have a loving Heavenly Father, and this Gospel is what He's given us to make us the most happy. It's so amazing to see the understanding he's gained, and of the relationship he's been able to renew with the Father he's only forgotten for a while. For dinner, we found some turkey rice to peremptorily celebrate Thanksgiving, even though it was technically two full days too early. Since 'Murica is a day behind us, but who cares? Then taught the little kids again. What a joy. I'm actually pretty surprised with how well they stay focused.

Thursday, 24 November 2016
Had a district training meeting in Pingdeng (Still haven't decided how to spell that) and ate a great lunch at a roadside breakfast place. It was the start of an amazing Thanksgiving! We visited another RC, Li, the one I've talked about who's probably the most humble man I've ever known, and were able to give him a priesthood blessing to help with his medical problems he's been having. I am so humbled to be able to participate in this work, in helping the children of Heavenly Father feel His love in so many different ways. We then finished teaching the Yang family's son Yoda about the commandments. We were able to convince them to move his date to this month! He'll be baptized during the ward Christmas activity on the 10th of December! Lastly that night we went to Chen Dixiongs house, where he hosted a Thanksgiving party. Sanya was there, as well as Cai and his family, and a few other members. It felt so amazing to be there, and was such a blessing for me to feel that family feeling. I'm not able to be with mine at the moment, but I know that they're thinking of me, and I want them to know that God helped me truly feel at home that night. I can't describe it, but it just felt right to be there. We also let them try some American candy which almost killed them. xD It's just way to sweet. Even Elder Gasser can barely eat it anymore. I'll pray really hard for his recovery though. 

Friday, 25 November 2016
Weekly planning! That took up a lot of time, but is worth it every week. I love receiving direction in helping these people we're trying to teach come closer to Christ. We also gave a tour of the chapel to a less active member we met on the train a few weeks ago, Sasha. She met the church in Utah (She's Taiwanese) was baptized in Kaohsiung, and hasn't been to church for about 10 years. Immediately some members there took her in and started making friends, which made our job so much the easier. Members, YOU HAVE THE POWER! Then we biked around trying to visit the formers, but no one was home.

Saturday, 26 November 2017
We discussed how important the Spirit is in companion study today, which came in handy later in the day. We met with a recent convert from Elder Gasser's previous area. He is doing his army service right now, and he always has a lot of questions and concerns. He was really quiet, and for the first bit of our meeting, we didn't get much out of him, but Elder Gasser kept at it, really trying to use the Spirit to know how to help him, and I was praying for him behind the scenes. We eventually talked about prayer, which I really hope is what he needed, and I actually got to share my experience about prayer from PJOC a few years ago. And if it helped him, I say everything I went through was worth it. It also started to rain, but we went out visiting anyways. I'm starting to realize why they don't like the rain so much here. BECAUSE IT RAINS SO MUCH. But I still love it... so far.

Sunday, 27 November 2016
So, Sam didn't actually get to sacrament when it started, so we were pretty sad. It continued raining, so a lot of people don't come. Elder Gasser says they're afraid they'll melt, I have no idea why. But half-way through the Primary Program HE SHOWED UP!!! And then he got confirmed at the end of the meeting. Finally. I was so happy to see it happen. Our LA friend Sasha was there as well! So it was a great meeting. Then we went home, had studies, and cooked our own Thanksgiving dinner with the stuff my family sent me! It tasted like America, so good. Luckily it was all packaged and easy to cook, or I might have found a way to muff it up. But it turned out delicious. Then we ventured back out into the rain and contacted all night. I was soaked. And it was cold! Like, maybe 70 degrees! ;-)

So that was my week. Many countless blessings and miracles occur every day, and it's all I can do to thank the Lord for every one that comes my way. I hope you all see His hand in your lives as well. I know that if you'll look, you'll see it every time. This is God's work, and I'll be darned if I'm not getting taught Chinese in Taiwan to carry it out! I know it's only through Heavenly Father's support that I'm here, and I know that Christ lives.

Have a fantastic week my friends and family!

-Elder Meanea

Tricked, Taught, and Testified

My amazing family and friends! How great it is to communicate with you again! I'm so happy that I have these opportunities to not totally be lost on how your lives are going, and to share with you the amazing miracles that truly happen every day here in the mission field. So with out much ado, thus begins the week!

Monday, 14 November 2016

We didn't end up doing anything particularly spectacular this week. But it turned out to be God's will, since our mission leader ended up in the hospital with a really bad swollen leg. We were able to go visit him and cheer him up a bit. And then we got TO our house. I say "to" because to get in requires a key, which was inside the apartment at the time. So after convincing me not to climb an adjacent balcony to break into ours (which I totally could of done) Elder Gasser called our landlord to help us out. She just told us to go and yank on the door really hard, because a previous Elder had gotten mad once and bent it out of shape. So we just went up and yanked it open. That was our night!

Tuesday, 15 November 2016
We met with Adam. He is doing so well! We talked about the Restoration, and in the end challenged him to live the word of wisdom. He sat there for a minute, thinking. Then he said, "So... tea? And coffee?" We nodded in the affirmative. He rested his head on the desk for a minute, agonizing (He is 19, so put that in perspective) and finally said. "Okay, I will try!" That's a great thing for a missionary to hear. Then we went to our Recent Convert Cai's house and walked in on a party! It was his 3-month anniversary of quitting smoking! We had cake and pudding, and the comment was made that I look skinnier! Which is a miracle considering the mass of food we get every time we enter a member's house. And Peichen is the cutest thing, that's his daughter. She says the same prayer every time (she's 3) and asks that the missionaries find a lot of new investigators. I love that family. 

Don't worry, Elder Meanea isn't sick. The smog had just been
really bad recently so one of the members gave them masks to wear.

Wednesday, 16 Novebmer 2016
We got triple stood-up, but they all called us beforehand to let us know, which was considerate. So we had a long afternoon on the streets. And Ladies and Gentlemen, for the first time in Taiwan, somebody pulled over to talk to me! It was really a miracle. I finally took in our leader's injuctions to use the Book of Mormon in all aspects of our work. I usually pull up and say, "We're the missionaries, we share about Jesus. Do you have any interest?" But this time I finally said, "Hello, we're the missionaries, we share about the Book of Mormon!" And this lady looked at me and said, "Oh! I have one of those!" I stared at her dumbly for a second, and Elder Gasser finally asked her if she'd be willing to pull over and talk since we were about to get run over, and we had a great contact with her! It was truly a tender mercy. We also got totally tricked today. We taught the little kid class, that went great, but we forgot our phone in there. The elders after us that gave the spiritual share brought it out, and we thanked them and left. Then halfway home we got a text from President Teh, asking if our apartment could accommodate him and sister Teh for the weekend. We were totally confused as to why they would come to Fengshan of all places (My bet was on them picking a temple site) but we said we could do that. We got home and started panicking a bit. "We gotta clean the bathroom, sweep, pick up our laundry, wipe the tables, oh man, there's going to be a girl in here, we gotta clean!" Luckily we didn't start right then, because at 10:00, President Teh called, and revealed it was actually Elder Musgrave and his companion who had changed the names in our phone. Slayed. 

We are so grateful to one of the moms from English Class who took these pictures and videos and sent them to us. It is so fun to see Elder Meanea in action!

Thursday, 17 November 2016
We had a great DTM. Then headed home in time to go to the Yang family's house. They fed us, and then asked Elder Gasser to help their older son with the piano. While he was doing that, we still needed to teach the younger kid a lesson (missionary lesson, we weren't threatening him) and so I sat down with his Dad, and basically taught the Plan of Salvation to him. It was another Tender mercy that I was actually able to do all right on my own! I was definitely really grateful for that.

Friday, 18 November 2016
We went to Pingdeng again for a baptismal interview, then had to get home and do some weekly planning before we went to eat at the Liu family's house at 6:00. We barely got done in time and got there, and had a great meal. Sister Liu cooked what was basically lasagna, and it tasted like straight from America, so that was cool. And then we got to the spiritual share. The dad isn't a member, and we were talking about his greenhouse that he has earlier, so either me being simplistic or the Spirit prompting told me to change the thought from the Holy Ghost in 2 Nephi to Faith like a seed in Alma. I started trying to explain, but I honestly could not get the words out of my mouth. I couldn't think what to say or how to say it. I asked Elder Gasser if he could step in, which he graciously did. I was feeling a bit useless after that, which Sister Liu might have sensed, because after Elder Gasser finished, she asked me to share my experience. I hadn't planned on it, but I began to share the experience of when I knew there was a Father in Heaven, and how I came to know He truly was my Father in Heaven. I started to feel the Spirit so strong, and the feelings I had at that time resurfaced as I bore testimony to the fact that we have a Father in Heaven, and that He's waiting for each one of us to leave off our worldly things that hold us back, and come unto Him. I had never yet felt such power of the Spirit as I testified as a missionary in Taiwan. It truly was a small miracle for me.

Appearantly the Pokemon riot was perfect for contacting...

Saturday, 19 November 2016
We went to Pingdeng AGAIN. Another baptismal interview. In my journal, I will need to specifically state that I served in Fengshan, becasue there are way too many references to Pingdeng in there. Then we went out contacting when we got back, and I was blessed with a little bit of the gift of tongues as we made phone calls that night. I made four all by myself, and actually talked to them!

Sunday, 20 November 2016
We called Sam to make sure he got there in time to be confirmed this week. No luck. We stopped by his house, and he was still asleep. He got there right after Ward Conference ended (at which there were many unfamiliar people) and told us his Grandpa got cancer the day before, and so he was out late. Next week! I'm assuming all the unfamiliar faces were a lot of less actives. I heard it said we have about 200 people on record for our ward. About 50 usually show up. I wish they understood how truly uplifting the Sabbath can be for us, and not an inconvenience. I've never looked forward as much to the Sabbath in my life! I was also thinking a lot about Fatalism vs. Faith, Fatalism being the belief that whatever happens will happen, because that's the way it's meant to be. I was wondering how that was different than having faith on God's plan, and how everything will end up how it's supposed to be. But this morning gave a good example to me of the difference. Fatalism is saying that if it's God's will, Sam will be there. And if he's not, it wasn't part of the plan. Faith is knowing it's good for him to be there, and biking out of our way to see if we can help him get to church, and praying for God to help us know what to do. "Faith is a principle of action" someone smarter than me once said. I... can't recall who at the moment. But it was really eye-opening for me to realize this. I sometimes fall into the trap of calling my Fatalism Faith. I'll sit back and say, if this person is supposed to have the Gospel, God will provide a way, little recognizing that the way He provides might be me.

Just my thought. ;-)

Not sure if there is a story behind this picture, but I am sure he's fine... :-)

I hope you are all staying close to the simple things. The daily prayer, the scriptures, going to church. That will keep us closer to feeling the Love of God, and closer to His protection. I know that what I'm doing here is God's work, and I feel blessed and honored to be a part of it.

- Elder Meanea

First Convert Baptism!

Hello my beloved family and friends! It has been an utterly amazing week for me here in Taiwan, miracles abounding, and the Spirit guiding all of God's children in ways I'll never understand, but I'll forever be grateful for.

Monday, 7 November 2016
We finished emailing, and then went to try and find this mysterious place called "Monkey Mountain." When I asked Elder Gasser what it was, he promptly replied by telling me it was a mountain with monkeys on it. Fair enough answer. We hiked around looking, but we only found a temple where a bunch of people got martyred a hundred years ago, which was cool, but then we biked up another mountain, and, well, found the monkeys!!! I'll let the pictures and videos do the talking there. Needless to say, it was very, very cool.

Tuesday, 8 November 2016
I was studying the war chapters this morning and came up with a question I was finding a hard time answering. I studied about the stripling warriors and Helaman. And I began to wonder what it was about them that made them so different. The scriptures say because of their faith they were spared, but I wondered about the people who were burned in Ammonihah. Didn't they have faith? What about Ammon's converts, all 1005 that were slain because they wouldn't kill against their covenant with God. Didn't they have faith? I was honestly troubled I couldn't come up with a good answer for a long while. And then I decided to pray about it, to ask God to help me understand. From there I began to see some very important things. The first being the fact that as much as we humans fear death, there is truly nothing frightening about it. My Savior Jesus Christ has already overcome death. It can have no lasting effect. Ask anyone what the worst thing that can happen is, and they'll probably say death. But honestly, if we have faith in our Savior, there is nothing that we have to fear. We will all live again, the relationships we had here restored, and He has promised that all that was wrong will be made right in Him. In the scriptures, it says the converts of Ammoniah were received up to God in glory. The same with Ammon's converts. And the stripling warriors themselves often fainted because of the loss of blood. That doesn't sound easy or nice to me. I hope the point I'm trying to get across is coming. It really is that we have a Father in Heaven. I know this. I also know He loves us more than anyone else ever could, and that the goal of His plan for everyone is to be happy forever. Some (me included) may question why things happen, or are allowed to transpire, and in this, sometimes we won't ever know. The one thing we can always know is that His "Hand is stretched out still." And He does everything within His power to bring happiness to us. There is going to be sorrow, but that's so we can have happiness. There will be pain, but that's so we can have joy, there will be setbacks, but that's so we can appreciate success. It's a very applicable thing in the mission field, and in life in it's entirety.
And we're back! Sorry, just wanted to share that thought, mostly because it exemplifies that I have a lot of flaws, but God is willing to help us understand things if we pray to Him. And that was my answer. That day we also had a baptismal interview with Ivy! She's a nurse, so can't come to church often, but she should be able to get baptized soon! We also met with a referral named Rose, and we met with her and invited her to continue learning, and she said yes! Bless the heart of our member we had present. We asked very specifically. "What are your feelings on the Book of Mormon," and he explained about pre-earth life, Resurrection, spirit children, judgement, and the three kingdoms of glory. After that we really emphasized the "How to Begin Teaching" point about our message takes time to understand. xD

Wednesday, 9 November 2016
We had interviews, but ended up there a little late. 1) I still don't have any idea what I'm doing, and 2) Elder Gasser misread a text or something. So with our combined powers of mishap, we ended up on the wrong side of the city in the wrong chapel. But we decided it was God's guidance, since we helped some sister missionaries find the right chapel and fixed their bike box when we got there, so cheers! We met with Adam and taught about the plan of salvation, and he's still reading and praying, which is great! And then we had our first English class not teaching advanced. We were just the doormen, and taught a small spiritual share about miracles to end the day.

Thursday, 10 November 2016
Elder Gasser gave a really great District training about commitments, and the Spirit was really strong there, telling us what we needed to do to better help our investigators grow. We visited the Yang family that night and had some mulberry milk and Taiwanese pizza! It was pretty great. Then we visited Cai and his family.

Friday, 11 November 2016
We went out to a trainer follow-up meeting today. It was great to see president Teh twice in a week and hear his counsel. I can't believe I've only got three weeks left in training. Then we had weekly planning, and had a good contacting night. One cool thing in the scripture was I was reading the Lord's command to Ammon and his bretheren, and in English it says to "Preach the Word" but the Chinese translation is more like "Prove my word." As in prove the things I said I do, such as bless those who are obedient to my commandments. It's amazing to think that any time that we're obedient to one of the Lord's commandments, we are immediately blessed.

Saturday, 12 November 2016
BAPTISM!
Sam was baptized by me this morning, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a great service. We had to do it twice, because he let his leg come up the first time, but it was really cool. I memorized the prayer the night before in Chinese. And I didn't mess up! And it was just amazing to realize that this is the start of his journey, you know?  I really see what the Atonement has done in his life. He seems happier, it gave him strength to quit: smoking, coffee, and tea, all within the space of about three months, and now he's clean, and he's started his path back to his Father in Heaven. It was truly a blessing to me that I was able to be there and see that. We then went contacting that night, and Elder Gasser and I took turns explaining our favorite books to eachother. I almost lost my voice because I tried to explain "Way of Kings." xD

Sunday, 13 November 2016
So.... no confirmation today. Sam got sick this morning. We biked to his house when he didn't show up and didn't answer his phone and got no answer there. Later he texted and let us know he was sick... so next week! We also had a 70 visit our ward, which we walked in late to because we biked to his house, so that was good. xD His chinese name is Dai. I don't know English. But he was actually in the audience that one time one of the prophets was giving an address and that guy with the bomb came in and told the prophet to read off a revelation he received, so that was exciting.

And that was my week! It's been long, but amazing, and I look forward to another one just as filled with the Spirit.

I love you all,

Elder Meanea

First Baptismal Service...Kinda

Hello my beloved family and dear friends! The title says about all of it, so we'll just get right into the week, shall we?

Monday, 31 October 2016
Nothing too special. We couldn't figure out how to go anywhere cool, so we just "chillaxed" at the apartment until it was time to hit the streets again and find some people to teach!

Tuesday, 1 November 2016
Today was a very special day for me. I don't think it would be appropriate to describe it in detail, but I just want to bear my testimony to all of you that, before this day, I knew about the Atonement. I knew who the Savior was. I believed in it. But today the Lord gave me a special gift, and I want to tell you I know who my Savior is. I know what He did for me. And I can feel His love, and the power of His Atoning sacrifice. I also know that we can all come to know Him better, and should, because He knows each one of us, He knows our faces, our fears, and our struggles. And He already felt them before we could. He is the Light of the World, and He is my Light. He is the reason I can go to Taiwan and preach to a foreign people, and love them all the same. I'm eternally grateful that God has helped me to see that, because I know that with that knowledge comes some of the greatest happiness we could ever feel. If I might, I want to extend the same invitation our mission president gave us if I haven't already. Take a Book of Mormon, and mark everywhere that has reference to the enabling power of the Atonement, and I know that you will grow closer to the Love Christ has for you.
Other than that, we had Zone Training Meeting, in which Elder Gasser and I gave a super awesome spiritual pump up about the Book of Mormon being our swords! Elder Gasser talked about in the Bible, David is on the run and in the temple, and asks a priest if he has any weapons. The Priest says, "Oh, just this Sword of Goliath back here. It's all we've got, if you want it, take it." David said, "There is none like unto it. I'll take it." (Paraphrase) I love the way Elder Gasser likened it unto the Book of Mormon, and how we don't have a tool like unto it.

Wednesday, 2 November 2016
First baptismal service today! Well, sort of. Right before English class we had a meeting, and the sisters said a student in our class was an investigator who still wasn't sure about getting baptized, so someone (still not sure who) decided that we could give a mock Baptismal service for our spiritual share after class. We did so, and asked for a volunteer, or rather volunteered this investigator. So Elder Gasser took her down in the empty font and mimed a baptism. It was pretty awesome! But also sad, because I'm getting moved to the little kid English class (Elder Meanea is getting moved to the little kid English class because his Chinese has improved and so he can help there). That should be some pretty good havoc. xD Today I also like how I studied about Amulek in the Atonement, and a part I never really understood. Mormon took a half chapter to explain the monetary system, and I never knew why, but I started paying attention more, and the Spirit taught me some cool stuff. Amulek himself says that before he was very wealthy, and rebelled much against the commandments of God. After, Zeezrom tempts him by offering a LOT of money (According to my dismally bad calculations, about $12,500?) And we know Zeezrom is a crafty guy. I don't think he would have offered a bribe if he didn't think it would work. And he's flabergasted when Amulek turns him down. Now, it doesn't say this, but it says earlier that Amulek was really wealthy. Could it have been that often before, he put his pursuit of wealth above the word of God? Could Zeezrom of known? But the important part is that Amulek had partaken of the Atonement, become new through repentance, and that which might have been his greatest weakness before, was made one of his strongest attributes. (Ether 12:27)

Thursday, 3 November 2016
Lots of contacting. Also, I love the Book of Mormon so much. I was reading about Alma and his mission to the Zoramites, and it says he blessed all his bretheren before they departed. I noticed in none of the blessings did he say, "Bless that he will avoid all the struggles and trials and persecutions." No. He said, "Bless them that they may be patient in their afflictions." I feel like Alma really understood the purpose of the plan of salvation. I'll let you dig the rest of that out for yourselves. ;-) (Alma 31)

Friday, 4 November 2016
Sam had his baptismal interview today! Which means if he comes to church Sunday, he'll be able to get baptized next Saturday! I'm so happy for him, and feel so blessed that my butt is sore for a reason. Even if we ride all day and find no one to listen to us, God blesses us in other, very tender ways. (Like a stronger backside?) Anyways... I also had my last Chinese pass-off! 1-5 with Elder Parker from Australia. (Aussy! Aussy! Aussy! Oi! Oi! Oi!) We also went out Tracting for my very first time today! Not much success, but it was cool to finally try. They are all pretty busy watching their TV's at 8:00 pm. I guess it's fair, they all freaking fly around the city on mopeds all day. They need to rest sometime. We also stopped by a fried dongxi stand. Where they have a lot of stuff laid out, you fill a basket, and then they dump it in a pot and deep fry it. So much MSG..... xD It was really good though!

Saturday, 5 November 2016
Lily came in today and said she couldn't come to church tomorrow, which means no baptism next week. :-( But I have faith that this is going to serve to strengthen her testimony, so she'll really be ready to make this commitment with the Lord. We had lunch with a ward in our building, and I can't describe all the delicious food I had. Oh.... just divine. We then had dinner with the Xie family, and left a message about Baptism with them.

Sunday, 6 November 2016
Sam came to church! Which means he's one step closer to Saturday! If I could ask, would you mind including him in your prayers? I know God's real, and Satan is too. And Satan doesn't want the joy this will bring to Sam. Also our golden friend Adam came! He's been texting us all week about how he prays every night and feels really good, and he loves to read the Book of Mormon every day. (Sits unbelieving as Golden investigator struts before us) We also had a lot of talking on the roads, and by Heavenly Father's blessing I'm getting better and better!

That's about it for this week of blessings, riding, talking, preaching, and bringing souls closer to my Savior. I love you all family, and hope that these letters can be of some strength to you all, because you're all such a strength to me.

- Elder Meanea

The Lord Believes in Payback

Hello my amazing family! What an amazing week it's been here in Fengshan. I really love this place so much!

Monday, 24 October 2016
Got my first Taiwanese Haircut! It doesn't look half bad actually, and I felt so good when they washed it out afterwards. Really nice scalp massage and such. And the hairdresser asked if Elder Gasser and I were brothers because we look a lot a like? I don't know. It's probably because we're the only two white guys in the city. ;-) Then we went to a wild family home evening activity, where another family taught our recent convert Cai and his family how to hold one, which consisted of children climbing on furniture, talking about the economy, a short spiritual share, and me winning a game of Uno! Also, President gave us a challenge today to speak every other day only in our mission language. It's a challenge I intend to take, so you'll see how it goes later in the week. 

Tuesday, 25 October 2016
Slow day. But we got to go to Pingdeng again (also not sure on spelling still) and have a great training from Elder Gasser on the Book of Mormon. I really loved our practices, and the Spirit of discernment that comes when we truly seek for the Spirit, and use the Book of Mormon as our greatest tool. We had a couple of practice scenarios, and in one of them a sister from our district was really impressed with how I+the Spirit tied in the Book of Mormon with her "concerns" she had. It was a really nice day for me to get some guidance on how to be better. And then we met with a part member family and I ate octopus pizza!

Wednesday, 26 October 2016
First day of president's challenge. It was really tough at first, but I really started to feel it helping me improve my Chinese throughout the day. We went contacting all day, with little success. But then we had English class, which I love a lot, and I got to give the thought on the Book of Mormon, and the Chinese I practiced all day really seemed to help me speak more clearly that night. I believe in priesthood leader challenges. They help us move a little bit closer to the person God knows that we can be. Afterwards we had a short lesson to finish up the Restoration with our friend Lily. She still is on track for her baptismal goal, which is really really exciting! She is just so accepting!

Thursday, 27 October 2016
We went to Pingdeng again today for our exchange with the Zone Leaders. I was with Elder Cole, and we spent the night doing some hard core street contacting, and actually got a girl who knew a bit of English to agree to meet with them on Monday. Then we gave a chapel tour to someone they had contacted earlier in the week. I love the Spirit that was there as we stood in the Chapel talking about Heavenly Father. I also love that we all know these things, we've just forgotten them on Earth. I really feel the "great importance to make these things known to the Children of Men." Then we talked with one of the baptismal interview candidates and prepared him to go in, and had a lesson on commandments with one of their investigators. So many people are so ready to receive the joy that I know the Gospel will bring in their lives, and it continually makes me want to strive to become a more powerful teacher of this Gospel.

Friday, 28 October 2016
We came back from our exchange, did some weekly planning (still love it, and it was another Chinese day, so that was interesting) and took Elder Gasser to the Dentist. We went on Monday and they had him schedule a check in appointment for today. We also got invited to my first "Hot Pot" by some members. Oh wow.... that was amazing. They have a table and they all have pots that have a soup-like thing in them, then you go grab some vegetables, dumplings, meat, and a lot of other stuff and throw it in. Then you eat it all. And then do it again! I had some swordfish, which tasted pretty good. But oh goodness, that was delicious and we had so much food!

Saturday, 29 October 2016
The day when things just went boom. The reason for my title is because I procrastinated a lot of things in my life. Everything important usually got done, but sometimes I was a little late on it. I believe the Lord has a sense of humor, because now he lets me sweat and push all week, then the weekend comes and he pats me on the head and says, "I appreciate you trying, have some miracles." And then FWOOOOSH. Miracles. Such as today. We set up for two lessons in the morning. One with Lily, and one with Sam, our very hesitant investigator who likes to smoke. We met with Lily first, but we had to wait a while to start because our Member was a half hour late. It was good for him though, he was that Zhong DX that was less active, and then we visited him and he's coming to church. We had a great lesson, in which we planned to share the plan of salvation, but luckily Elder Gasser was in tune enough with the Spirit to know that halfway through the lesson, she was ready to jump head-first into commandments with us. We covered Law of Chastity, Tithing, Word of Wisdom, and the Sabbath, and she just said yes, I'm willing to do these things. [Brain Explodes] Just... wow. And she'll hopefully have her interview next week and be baptized the week after!!!! And then Sam showed up a half hour late. We were going to share about fasting, but instead we talked about some questions he had, we all pondered a bit together, and then he said, "This is pretty important, huh?" And Elder Gasser told him yes it was. And he said okay, I'm ready to get baptized. [Whatever was left of brain, slowly burns away] We did not see this coming at all, but the Lord will do what he will do, and I'm extremely grateful that this was his will. He is planning on the same baptismal date as Lily! I also passed my last District Leader Language review, chapter 5. I'll have my 1-5 pass off with the Zone leader next week! Allyse will also be happy to know I ate a Mexican restaurant in Taiwan. It was great! Hand-made tortillas and everything. I'm definitely taking you all there. And then that night Ivy, the nurse called and said she actually could come to church tomorrow! MIRACLES

Photo we received of Elder Meanea and Elder Gasser from another Elder

Sunday, 30 October 2016
[Brain, partially recovered, gets sucked into a black hole and disappeared] So today the Lord really looked out for us and our investigators. I was praying so hard everyone could come to church. We called Sam at 7:30 to make sure he was awake then headed to the chapel. I kept praying hard. I wanted this so badly to happen. We got there and ten minutes til, Ivy showed up! That was good. We got her with a member and kept waiting. Sacrament started and nothing. I kept praying though. We went up to the meeting, and right after the sacrament, Lily came in! She looked so happy sitting there listening to a talk about the Atonement, which we were also hoping to help her gain a better testimony of. Then after the first talk, Sam finally walked in. I had so much gratitude to Heavenly Father for that. He truly answered in every aspect those prayers. I know when things still don't happen the way we want them to, God is still in control, and always answers prayers. It was a beautiful Sabbath. I was also very much reminded of my family. They didn't have enough people to pass the sacrament, so I helped. And I felt a bit new, and it reminded me of my first Sunday as a Deacon. My dad took me in early to practice passing the sacrament. And then they Played "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain (Stain)" and it reminded me of it even more. I love my family so much, and I love the opportunity I have to bless them and the families here with the Gospel. 

It's been an amazing week, and I hope you can all continue in your faith, knowing we have a loving God. And He always hears and answers according to our faith.

-Elder Meanea