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

11202016 Leading with Faith

Well this week wasn't super exciting. Bad news, our recent convert feels like his daughter isn't prepared to get baptized (which lest be honest, who really is at American age 8?) So she probably won't get baptized soon. The son will however! :) Also our other investigator with a baptismal date has gotten very busy so we haven't been able to meet the past couple of weeks... So that is really too bad. But we will hopefully meet with him this week!

Now the good news. I think I had the most miraculous lesson I have ever had this week. It was with BakTaeSon And his wife was sick so it was just him. We talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He had read Alma 32 like 4 times to make sure he understood if for our second meeting, and always is good and asking questions and is starting to feel like our church is different from other churches. So we had assigned him to read the Pamphlet about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had and so we just asked him question about his understanding of it. He explained faith well (far better than I could in Korean) and then we asked him how it is related to repentance. He nailed it again. Explained how if we believe in Christ and want to become like him we must strive to change! He explained how one of his frustrations with churches is that they "repent" every Sunday but then got back and do the same thing over again, and how that is not repentance! You get the idea. He taught the entire lesson. So then I just asked him, how is your "seed of faith" doing? He said "I think spring is coming. A warm wind is blowing." So I asked him about church and he said basically that a change will take time but he was wondering if we had a church party or something that he could start with and get to know the people. I was just amazed that whole lesson. He was just real and open to faith! That is so impressive to me! 

Anyway, things are going well in Gimpo! there has been some real interesting drama with the sisters so prayers on their behalf will be appreciated! 

I have started reading the Book of Mormon with a question as Elder Bednar does and it has been good! Nephi is such a great example of obedience despite a lack of understanding. He always leads with his faith. I know God has blessed me. I know the commandments of God can be fulfilled. etc. I do now know all things. I do not know how I can do it. etc. Nevertheless I will move forward. I will try. etc. I think as I read the Scriptures that that pattern will become clear! Start with faith, acknowledge your limitations, lack of knowledge, and doubts, and move forward! Starting with faith seems to be centered on reading the words of God and praying to him! It has been good just seeing these patterns and just focusing in on them!

The Gospel is True and it is amazing! :)

Hurrah for Israel!

11272016 Gimpo

I couldn't think of a good title so Gimpo is all I got! This week was good. Sadly one of our investigators who had a baptismal goal has been busy and then had a little car accident so is in the hospital! So he said he won't be able to meet for a little while more! Which brings me to a fun fact about Korea culture. They go to the hospital for everything!! So also our recent convert's daughter got sick, and so they went to the hospital on Sunday and didn't come to church or the fireside.

We made a family home evening thing so that some of our investigators could meet members. None of them ended up being able to come, so our sisters were super stressed but we ended up getting two high school students to come. They are both a little weird but they seemed to really enjoy the games and stuff!

I don't remember what I said last week, but my focus is on become consecrated. I have really enjoyed this week. Focusing on always being effective. I think I was more bold talking to people, and pushed my district and companion a little more. I feel sad when I see people not living up to there potential! 

Perhaps one of the things I have realized the most these past few transfers is that relationships really are complicated. Without people's trust or respect you cannot ask them to change.

Anyway best story for the week. I will tell it from my companions perspective first. "I was sitting behind elder Sabey and a young guy in TaeQuonDo cloths sat by him. He started talking to him and asked how old he was.He said 19. So elder Sabey asked how old he thought I was. He said 28. Well we are actually the same age. So he thought that was cool. He was pretty good at English, so I said 'your handsome!' to which he replied 'I'm a girl...' 'Oh... you look... good..." Anyway this girl with a guys hair cut sat by me. We normally don't talk to the other gender but we made eye contact and I felt awkward not talking so I did... Then the whole age thing happened. I realized my companion thought she was a guy (I don't know how he missed the high voice thing...) so I was typing in my phone "girl" to show him, but when I got to the r it was too late he had called her handsome. Anyway, I gave her an English pamphlet and she texted us! So that was a funny experience this week!

Anyway, I truly believe that when we lose our life for the gospels sake we save it! Happy thanksgiving! We didn't do anything special except wish each other happy thanksgiving! There is so much to be thankful for! I am thankful to be in Korea, to be on a mission, to be born into a wonderful family, to have lived in America, to live in the modern times, to be in the church, for Christ, for Elder Holland :), for a Prophet, etc. Life is good!

Hurrah for Israel!

--

Elder Sabey

10312016 Cometh through much Fasting and Prayer

This week was good! There were several fun/stressful/interesting experiences this week.

The first and maybe most stressful is as follows:   A person texted us and said “I think I can meet tomorrow.”   I looked at the name couldn't remember who it was, so I looked in some of the records where I thought I recognized the name from and found a guy who had a lot of potential and wants to learn but just never had time. So, I texted back and said of course! Come time for the appointment, a lady comes to the church. . . that was already super stressful, since we aren't allowed to meet with sisters alone.   I quickly texted the sisters and asked them to come to the church.  My companion, the lady and I just talked while we waited for the sisters. When the sisters came to the door they saw who it was and didn't come in. They texted me and asked who it was. At this point in time I realized it was a lady I had called that the sisters had met before who was a really strong Jehovah's witness. And they did not have a good experience with her.  The sisters thought I was trying to go behind their back or something. I wasn't: the names are just almost exactly the same as our other old investigator.  So an awkward talk with this lady and the sisters ended. And I had to explain everything to the sisters. It all turned out okay, but a funny and stressful experience. 

The next is we met this guy from England. He believes in astrotheology.  Basically science with a slight tie to religion.  So we talked on the street for like 20 minutes and met yesterday. His understanding of truth is very close to ours. It is amazing. But sad because I don't think he has much potential to change his opinion. He believes we are intelligences that have enough power to impact the matter around us, so if we search for an answer we could likely hear a voice or whatever confirming our question... But it reaffirmed to me that our church truly fits with science and that God truly gives to all who are searching just in the way they need it at the time!

The best moment of the week however was during personal study. I have been trying to have a question going into personal study every day. Then I often just keep reading where I am and try to find an answer. This one day my question is how do I rely on Christ? I know I need to, but in moments from day to day and stuff I don't know how to do it. So I was reading in Matthew and I read where Christ heals the lunatic and says this comes not our through prayer and fasting.  I guess I didn't find anything really related to what I was saying but then my mind just clicked (#inspiration) and I realized this is what God wants me to do. So many of my short comings come not out but through fasting and prayer. So that is what I am focusing on :) It was a great confirmation to me that God is real, and does give small but powerful pushes.

All of our investigators didn't keep their commitments but are still slowly progressing I believe. And a cool miracle--a guy I talked to on the street wanted to learn English, but went to Australia. He got back, called me and came to English. Then at English he asked when Church was and came to that as well! So although he isn't an investigator he came to church which was awesome!   :)

Hurrah for Israel!

-- 

Elder Sabey

10312016 Cometh through much Fasting and Prayer

This week was good! There were several fun/stressful/interesting experiences this week.

The first and maybe most stressful is as follows:   A person texted us and said “I think I can meet tomorrow.”   I looked at the name couldn't remember who it was, so I looked in some of the records where I thought I recognized the name from and found a guy who had a lot of potential and wants to learn but just never had time. So, I texted back and said of course! Come time for the appointment, a lady comes to the church. . . that was already super stressful, since we aren't allowed to meet with sisters alone.   I quickly texted the sisters and asked them to come to the church.  My companion, the lady and I just talked while we waited for the sisters. When the sisters came to the door they saw who it was and didn't come in. They texted me and asked who it was. At this point in time I realized it was a lady I had called that the sisters had met before who was a really strong Jehovah's witness. And they did not have a good experience with her.  The sisters thought I was trying to go behind their back or something. I wasn't: the names are just almost exactly the same as our other old investigator.  So an awkward talk with this lady and the sisters ended. And I had to explain everything to the sisters. It all turned out okay, but a funny and stressful experience. 

The next is we met this guy from England. He believes in astrotheology.  Basically science with a slight tie to religion.  So we talked on the street for like 20 minutes and met yesterday. His understanding of truth is very close to ours. It is amazing. But sad because I don't think he has much potential to change his opinion. He believes we are intelligences that have enough power to impact the matter around us, so if we search for an answer we could likely hear a voice or whatever confirming our question... But it reaffirmed to me that our church truly fits with science and that God truly gives to all who are searching just in the way they need it at the time!

The best moment of the week however was during personal study. I have been trying to have a question going into personal study every day. Then I often just keep reading where I am and try to find an answer. This one day my question is how do I rely on Christ? I know I need to, but in moments from day to day and stuff I don't know how to do it. So I was reading in Matthew and I read where Christ heals the lunatic and says this comes not our through prayer and fasting.  I guess I didn't find anything really related to what I was saying but then my mind just clicked (#inspiration) and I realized this is what God wants me to do. So many of my short comings come not out but through fasting and prayer. So that is what I am focusing on :) It was a great confirmation to me that God is real, and does give small but powerful pushes.

All of our investigators didn't keep their commitments but are still slowly progressing I believe. And a cool miracle--a guy I talked to on the street wanted to learn English, but went to Australia. He got back, called me and came to English. Then at English he asked when Church was and came to that as well! So although he isn't an investigator he came to church which was awesome!   :)

Hurrah for Israel!

-- 

Elder Sabey

11072016 Amazing Saturday

This week was good! Since our mission president is going to Japan this week for a mission president meeting, this week was really busy with meeting.  Zone training on Wednesday, a follow up meeting for all the new missionaries on Tuesday, a Thursday p-day, and exchanges on Monday. Sorry that was not at all in order... but you get the idea. So lots of riding buses and subways! There were all good meetings! I am making some good changes! Another cool change is that our president made it a rule to sing hymns in the shower. So that is interesting and good!!

On Tuesday, we met with the couple that is doing the English program. They read Alma 32. And just asked good questions. So we talked about how we want them to know for themselves. And asked if they want to see if our seed has fruits. They said it would probably take time but that they are willing to plant the seed if you will.  That was great. Then on Saturday we had a meeting with the guy who came to church last week. He is super nice guy probably in his 60s. He said our church feels very family oriented and that we are very different from other Korean churches. We taught the restoration, and said we wanted him to get an answer himself. We set a goal for a baptismal date for Christmas eve. He asked if he could get an answer that fast and we said yes so he is moving forward with that goal. He also brought a Book of Mormon he received from a missionary 10 years ago.  He too will read Alma 32 and will hopefully make some good progress. We asked the recent convert if his son would be interested in learning about our church. He had us ask him. So we did and he said yes. When they came, the son and daughter came!  We are reviewing the lessons with the father while teaching the children. It is great. The son, is the cutest kid ever. He didn't used to believe in God, but he said he now does. When he first came to church, during the sacrament he felt a sudden peace, so he now believes in God. Both kids said they want to get baptized so we set another baptism goal for them on December 10th.  It was just an amazing Saturday!

Sunday was stake conference and we met one potential investigator and his sister, and introduced our English program and gave them a book of Mormon. Miracles are happening! :)

Spiritual thought for the week- I have been reading Matthew and just finished. Reading the gospels, you would have a really hard time understanding Christ's atonement and really his whole purpose. That comes through apostles, and prophets explaining and expounding. I  the rest of the new testament, old testament,  in the book of Mormon and from modern prophets and apostles. So just we are so blessed to have people still teaching and expounding upon the live and words of Christ!!

-- 

Elder Sabey