What's up family and friends?!
We had some great success this past week. The biggest miracle was when we met with the s---j-----. The have been inactive for about 2 years now because of some drama that happened with their son and his marriage. I was on exchanges with Elder Hopper and we were discussing what we could do to help them start their process of coming back into the church. We both had the feeling we should ask them to help us missionaries Peike. When we had the lesson with them and asked them to help us do that they actually had a relieved/excited look on their faces. I believe that the big reason they are not coming to church is because of embarrassment and so I believe this is going to help them out a lot. They both have big testimonies and we really need them in the ward so we are going to be focusing on them in the coming weeks. The thing I love the most about this family is the light that comes into our eyes when we come over. This is probably my favorite thing about the mission to be honest.
I believe we gave out 6 copies of the Book of Mormon this week. We had many opportunities to share the gospel with people and I've noticed a big difference in contacting when you actually share meaningful scriptures with people that you just meet. It's pretty cool to see people really take in what you say and have interest in what you are saying. I believe using the Book of Mormon in contacting is super effective and will continue to perfect this skill.
We found a new investigator this week which has not happened in quite a while. He is super golden! He's a 21 yr. old college student who I felt like related really well with us. He was so ready to learn and my favorite thing he said regarding prayer was, "I'm not used to it but I like it." It blows my mind when people are willing to pray when you meet with them for the first time. It takes a huge act of faith in my opinion and it is always exciting to see people open up that channel with God. He set up with us again for the same time next week and we are super excited to keep on meeting with him.
We are struggling in our area with finding people to help us Peike and also helping people set baptismal dates. We've invited all of our current investigators (excluding our new one) and it seems like we are kind of stuck in a rut. The area is picking up a little bit and I feel like we will soon see some great miracles. We're working hard but we can work harder. We've recently set some goals to improve our companionship studies and our study times in general because both of us are a little weak in this area. I'm ready and willing to change.
Stake Conference this week was pretty awesome. I learned so much from the broadcast about missionaries and members working together. It truly was an incredibly inspiring broadcast. I am always amazed at the power and authority the apostles use to address us. They speak by the Spirit and command attention. My favorite talk was given by Elder Holland. He said some things that really changed my perspective on what I'm doing and how I can do it better. "Everyone on this earth EARNED their right to be here." "Everyone, at one time, had a testimony of Jesus Christ." "If we bear testimony more effectively we will help people re-discover their testimonies." Some great council. I have been trying to remember this while contacting and while sharing with investigators. In the Book of Mormon recently I have been studying about repentance and have come to realize how much my calling relies on helping people go through this repentance process. It is so important. I have set some goals to become a better teacher of repentance the main one being to truly repent everyday.
The work goes on here in Ankang. I love the people and will continue to work as long as I am here. I understand that my work now will influence many lives in the future and hopefully in the present. I truly believe in my Savior Jesus Christ. He atoned for my sins and the sins of all. I love teaching about Him and his infinite mercy. People need hope in this troubling time of life and this gospel can bring them the hope that nothing else in this world can. I'm so grateful for my opportunity to be here.
Love ya all and remember to pray specifically for someone you know to have an opportunity to be introduced to the gospel.
Elder Meeks
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