12112016 Baptism

I am thankful for so many things this week. First our baptism was beautiful! Jang Yong Jun was very happy and I felt the spirit at the baptism, and I know he did as well! He was just very happy afterwards. He was just smiling a lot. He asked my companion, "is it weird if I am happy?" It was awesome. This week we taught one of our investigators with our recent convert Jang Gyoung Su, Jang Yong Jun's father), about the word of wisdom. He was just awesome. He talked about how he overcame those things, and the blessings that he has received. biggest being more happiness in the home. His son now hugs him a lot more since he doesn't smell bad. His wife trusts him more because he doesn't drink, etc. He definitely felt the spirit and told me after, that sharing his testimony helped strengthen it a lot! It was just some good tender moments! Lastly the couple that we taught that lesson to, brought us to dinner on Saturday. They went to a super nice restaurant... it was like 45 dollars per person and like a 5 course meal. It was kind of awkward but they are super nice and I think it was good for them to enjoy their time with us without alcohol or anything! 

So transfers. Both Elder Dalley and I are staying and I am training again! So we will have a three some! Also I was thinking about transfers and I truly felt God knows what is best for each one of us. I think this will be great for both Elder Dalley and me. I have told several people throughout my mission that I mainly wanted to be a district leader and trainer, because I honestly feel those are the positions that can have the biggest impact on other missionaries. I felt like I was ready and excited to have Elder Burridge, but then he had to go home (also, any news about him?) So when I got Elder Dalley some of my drive or whatever to train was lost, and he already adopted some of other missionaries styles. So I have regretted not being as much of a "trainer" as I should have been. So I am excited to have a chance to start over with a new missionary and have Elder Dalley with me! (Also, 4th greenie is the charm right? haha I finished Elder Perry's training, started Elder Burridge's and finished Elder Dalley's, maybe this time I will get a full two transfers!)

Anyway, God knows each one of our desires and wants to bless us! I found a passage I didn't really notice before, but I really love now. 

2 Nephi 26

23 For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness. 24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.
26 Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.
27 Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.
28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.
29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priest crafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.
31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.
32 And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall perish.
33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.-- 

Elder Sabey

12042016 Keeping the Commandments

Danielle is expecting a boy!  That is super exciting! When is he due? This week was a good week! We had one guy call us and he met with a kid I was in the MTC with and said he wanted to meet! We met and he is studying to go to law school in America. So I talked about Dad and healthcare law a little! He asked lots of questions and they all fit into the message of the restoration! It was good! And my companion loved it because it was in English!

We met with Bak Tae Son and started talking about the commandments! He and his wife, I think, understand the point of commandments they are just amazed that we are obedient! He stopped smoking a long time ago but can't stop drinking! And so we want to bring our recent convert to meet with them and talk about the word of wisdom. Hopefully that will all go well!

Then the highlight of the week was meeting with Yong June, the recent converts son. We also taught him the commandments. His dad came towards the end of the lesson, so we reviewed all that we taught. He is planning on getting baptized this week! He wants to keep all the commandments. It was just sweet. His dad gave the closing prayer and it was awesome. He felt the spirit coming into church. Was thankful to have his son understand these commandments better than he expected, and that he will have somebody to support him in the church. They are so awesome!

Anyway, my district always seems to be having some drama but things are looking up! Next week are transfer calls! 

My spiritual thought this week comes from Mom's question to me. When Elder Bednar came he talked about "being good boys and girls." When we received the gift of the holy ghost we received the promise to always have the spirit to be with us. So if we are doing what we are supposed to be doing, it IS with us. No question. So what do we have to do? Strive to do his will! If we are honestly striving to do his will the spirit is with us. Move forward. If we are not supposed to do something the spirit will let us know. S Elder Bednar said, noticing when the spirit is gone is far more important than noticing when it is there. Because it is so often there. I have felt the same as Mom. But as I have done missionary work I have seen the spirits influence. And I am thankful for the promise that it will always be with us as we strive to do was is right!

Hurrah for Israel!
-- 

Elder Sabey