It has been a pretty chilly start to June here in Union City, but a lot of good things have happened.
We've been able to render a lot of service, both for members of our branch and members of the Union City 1st Ward. We helped Bro. Perez take a HUGE stash of recyclables to the recycle plant, where he received $162 compensation! We also helped another family move one evening, and washed two of Elaine's cars (that she later informed us haven't been washed since Christmas....)
Our investigator couple is still doing well. They made it to church on Sunday, and we were able to continue our lessons on the 10 Commandments with them over a dinner appointment last Thursday. It is clear to me that the Holy Ghost is definitely touching them, slowly but surely. There is such a wonderful spirit about Bro. Wu and Sis Fang!
We also continued in our knocking doors as a means of finding new investigators. We, again, ran into some very interesting people, and I was able to add a few new names I've been called on people's doorsteps into my journal, that I'm sure will entertain posterity in future years ("disciples of the devil" was my personal favorite!).
I have had a lot of opportunities to feel the Spirit this week. Yesterday was the first time I attended "Why I Believe," a special devotional held by our mission in which recent converts have the opportunity to bear testimony and share the stories of how they came to be baptized. I was touched by many of the speakers. What an incredible change the gospel brings into the lives of others!
Most of my studies have focused on the differences between the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost, which I have found really fascinating. It made me realize that the Gift of the Holy Ghost is so much more than I previously made it to be. I'm very grateful to have it's companionship.
I also have been reading the account of Ammon and King Lamoni lately. Yesterday, in Alma 27, I read about Alma's reuniting with the Sons of Mosiah, and that Ammon had so much joy that his strength was exhausted. It made me think that only joy like this can come from the Lord. Though I may not experience joy like that, it makes me want to experience greater joy, and makes me hopeful that the capacity to feel joy is so much greater than I currently think. Studies this week have been a good motivation to make this a goal for me.
We've also had some incredible Branch and Mission Activities lately. We had Temple Day and a BBQ to follow on Tuesday, and a BBQ with our Branch on Saturday, which was attended by a lot of our members as well as a few English Students, and a few people who just happened to be passing by. We are surrounded by some of the best people with some of the biggest hearts I've ever known.
In other news, transfers are tomorrow, and I am killing my current companion, putting him on the plane to Allen, TXWednesday morning. I will be staying in Hayward for my 5th transfer (at this point, my entire mission, making me the missionary that has been in the Hayward Zone for the most consistent amount of time), and my new companion is Elder Tung. He's from Hong Kong, and previously served with Elder Smith together in Oakland, who raves about him. He will also be serving as District Leader, and I'll have more info to share on him soon!
I love you all and could not be more grateful for the service you show to be and the joy you all bring into my life. Have an amazing week, and know that Heavenly Father loves you too!
Love,
Elder Butters (Bao ZhangLao)
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