Hey family and friends!
Wow... Conference literally changed my mind on how I want to do missionary work. I kept hearing over and over again about prayer, scriptures, service and trusting the words of the prophets. I am going to start applying much more energy in these 4 areas. I could go on forever about all of the inspiration that I felt during conference and all of the goals that accompanied that inspiration but I will just name a few.
I have resolved to make a prayer board. This means that I am going to write down all of the things that I feel are necessary to pray for on a regular basis and review them before I pray (and have it next to me while I pray so I can remember what I need to pray for). There are so many times in the morning and at night where I am just so tired I can barely focus on what I am supposed to be praying for and consequently have mediocre prayers. Not any more. I believe that my prayers can improve drastically and through writing down the things I believe are necessary I believe I will be able to receive more personal inspiration according to how Elder Eyring taught us.
My entire mission I have had problems with self doubt. Elder Jorg .... spoke on this subject. I will be applying the principles that he taught us to apply in order to erase all of those feelings of self doubt especially focusing on the step of repenting and asking for forgiveness quickly. I want to get to the state where I can constantly be receiving a remission of my sins and constantly be applying the atoning power of our Savior.
Many apostles spoke about peace. I believe peace is the one thing that everyone in this life, no matter who you are, is looking for. It doesn't come easily and that is because God wants us to stretch ourselves. When we start feeling comfortable another trial is put in our path that may question our faith. But if we continually rely on ours and others testimonies (including those of the prophets) we can have a feeling of peace in our lives. As we strive to live the commandments and constantly serve others we can receive that remission of sins which brings that peace. I am still not quite there. I have many things I need to change in order to start feeling this way but I have the desire. I also have the desire to help others get there.
I was struck by Elder Holland's talk on the poor. He said the Savior's first and foremost goal with his ministry was to administer to the poor and the poor in Spirit. If we are supposed to emulate the example of Christ then we have to be emulating the first and foremost goal of his ministry on earth. If we are not we are falling short. I'm super grateful for parents who taught me to always be looking out for others who are in need. Another insight I had was that unless we are actively seeking service opportunities they don't just fall into our lap. The Lord won't trust us with these responsibilities unless we are praying for them. I have resolved to be better in this area. According to some of the talks that a requirement of forgiveness is imparting of our substance to the poor. Pretty serious.
The work in Miaoli is coming along slowly but surely. I have about 10 days left here in Miaoli most likely and I don't want to leave my trainee with an area with few investigators. This next week we are pounding the pavement and working with the members closely to find those people who are prepared to hear the restored gospel. My companion is an incredible mission. I could continue to serve with him. He has been such a great example to me and wants to keep learning. Has a desire to be the best he can. I think something that would help him out is a companion who has great Chinese. Maybe even a native. He has a desire to really improve and fast. He will be finishing up phase one this week and will quickly progress through phase two is the feeling that I get. I am so grateful I've been able to serve with Elder Okeson.
(This is the bit that I wrote to my mission president)My whole mission I have desired to serve with a seasoned missionary who I knew that I could just get along with and do the work. I have had many companions who struggled through their missions in many different aspects of the work. It has been difficult but also incredibly rewarding because it has helped me change many things that were originally wrong with my personality including: patience, temperament, anger, love, etc. I am grateful for these experiences despite the challenges that came along with it. An example of a missionary that I would love to serve with is Elder M---, Elder C--- and Elder B---- or even my old companion Elder Z---. While they aren't perfect my relationships with them are solid and I know they just want to serve and bless the people of Taiwan's life. They are super loving guys who have totally made an impact on me. You once told me that 90% of revelation is information and I just wanted to let you know some of my feelings as I go into this last 4th of my mission which I want and believe will be best!
I am so pumped about the next 6 months. I've never been so in fire for missionary work and just want to love the heck out of the people around me. I love being on a mission. I love this work. I love Miaoli. I have learned so much so far on my mission that really has prepared me for the outside world when I get home.
Have a great week and love ya'll!
Elder Meeks
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