2 Gingers in Kangwondo? Absurd!

Hey! 

One of our investigators is named DVD. He is Korean, adopted at 8 months into a Jewish American family. He has been doing well.  Elder Farr and I are doing the 40 day fast together, and I feel like that really affected our meeting with him. We felt the power of our words testifying to him that he can give that 100%, that it's needed, but it won't be in vain. You could feel the spirit in the tips of your fingers and in the atmosphere as the words lingered and rang in his ears. If he really wants his answer, he needs to do it. He couldn't deny the spirit, especially when we pointed it out to him, and he committed to come to church.

Jordan and Elder Sullivan

We had a great week, we were able to make great progress with current investigators, and pick up new investigators as well.  We picked up YWO, a 22 year old kid we met knocking doors last week.  He wasn't too interested in God, he just had a lot of free time, but after meeting with us he talked about how afraid he was of death. We met with him again, and helped him begin praying. He can't believe in things he doesn't see, but we're helping him recognize God in his life, and how he can feel God, not see him. His first prayer was so sincere. He said, 'Dear Heavenly Father. I don't believe in you,.....but I really want to. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.' He has that desire, and that desire will work in him until it develops into faith.

On Wednesday we went on exchanges with 동해, and I went with Elder Sullivan (He's from Sandy! He went to Alta and knows a lot of the youth in our ward). We met GMGI, who's nice, and very curious about the Book of Mormon. He might have a form of ADD, because it's hard to get him focused, even though he's over 40. But he's nice, and we'll continue to meet with him if he progresses.

We met an old 80 year old Jehovah's witness, SHSK, who was really interested in meeting. When we met, he expressed his beliefs, and that he goes to that church because they actually practice what they believe. After the first lesson, he admitted that if the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and we live according to both books, he would need to believe it and come to our church, and he said he'd read and find out. He's quite a nice old man, we're really excited for him, but he admits to not remembering everything well, because he's so old.

I love meeting with old people.  I just think old people are absolutely adorable. He speaks the 'high form of Korean', like calling us 'sir', and he wears a suit and hat when he meets with us. I love old people.

We also met a convert on the street the other day. He was baptized 2 years ago, but now he's doing 군대 (army), so he can't come. But he has free time every day after 7:00, and he said he wants to meet twice a week! We met and talked about prayer, and not just prayer, but petition and supplication. He's a fantastic guy. He trusts God so much, and has a great relationship with him. He has a lot of faith, and exercises it daily. We'll continue on and talk about scripture study, and hopefully when 군대 is over, he'll still be a strong member.

I've been thinking recently how much I don't know about the Book of Mormon, and have been having the thoughts that I need to have it more cemented in my life, so I've been reading it more deeply in personal study. During Sunday School, one member taught about the power of the everyday missionary book, the process of studying, and the 7 step process. He said to pick our favorite chapter and do it, so I studied 2 Nephi 4 this morning. I prayed hard to receive help and guidance in order to know how to help people with what I would learn through it, and for help to apply it today in my missionary work. I also came up with some questions that I wanted answers to, and when I read it, I felt like I found just what I needed. I found a few verses that I called and shared with TRA, because it was comfort to Nephi right after his father died.

I take courage from the Psalm of Nephi, knowing that if I'm humble and always rely on the Lord, through daily petition and scripture study, I can be strong, and that if I teach my children the way they need to go, 'they will not depart from it.'  Take some time to read the Psalm of Nephi. Psalms are meant to be read out loud, so take the time needed to study it well. It will have a great impact on your life.

I know this Gospel is the happiest and safest pathway for individuals and for families, and I'm grateful to be able to know it and share it with others. I know that I'll need help along the way, but I know I'll be able to receive it when I need it.  Thank you for your example and for your unconditional love for us missionaries.

Elder Franchina

P.S.
I love these old people. They just walk around everywhere collecting recyclables.