I hope everyone enjoyed their week, especially the Solar Eclipse...the smog that sets on San Francisco obstructed or view completely...so I hope that that was a highlight for everyone else's week! But, never fear, we had some great experiences this week that made up for the lack of sunshine!
Firstly, we had Zone Conference on Wednesday, and it was wonderful! Pres. Frandsen spoke on and trained us on the power of using the Book of Mormon as we teach. I also loved Elder Pimentel's message (he's our mission boundary's Area 70) on bringing the power of the Spirit into our teaching appointments. It was a much-needed spiritual boost that brought a lot of revelation to both my companion and I.
Both Elder Ho and I felt very inspired to use that teaching technique with one of our current investigators, Hu Li Bang. We read sections of Alma 32 with him during a lesson we had before we attending a baptism on Saturday. Bro.Hu loved the analogy of faith being compared to a seed that we plant within ourselves, and then work and strive to help grow bigger and bigger. I think he now has a much clearer understanding of what faith truly is; its more than just belief, its being willing to do all things necessary to stand as a witness of those beliefs! We later asked him, when he begins to plant the seed of faith inside himself, and starts to come to a knowledge of the truth, if he would be baptized. He said YES! We do not currently have a date for his baptism, but just the knowledge that it is something that he wants to work for was enough to make us so happy! We also said a kneeling prayer with him, in which he asked for help for his faith to grow. It was a moment that showcased his progress in a great direction!
We also went on an exchange with the Spanish Elders of our District. I was with Elder Corrigan, who arrived in the field only last month, and has jumped right in with both feet into the "deep end" that is missionary life in the field. During our day together, we mostly filled our time with finding, where we tried to talk to everyone and anyone. We later studied about that same effort in companionship study that day. He said that one of his greatest fears coming out to the field was opening his mouth and declaring the gospel to everyone. It was a great day to really work on that with him. I have a strong family story from my father's mission that confirms to me that no matter what we do or who we talk to, we make an impact, regardless of whether it is in that moment or at some other unforeseen point in time.
In other news, our week included a Sports Night with our branch members, meeting with potential investigator and talking for a hour and a half in Chinatown, my first time working as a translator during sacrament meeting, and having a few students SHOW UP TO ENGLISH CLASS! FINALLY! It also included a P-Day to the Walk Disney Family Museum, and being the Disney fan that I am, it was AWESOME!
We also had a lesson with Bobbie Hong, a less active in our branch, and his wife. Upon telling them about living in China, they discovered that I've visited the southern province of SuZhou. Turns out, they know the OT and Julie Benson family! It was so cool to make a connection that I NEVER expected to make while serving my mission! Totally fun!
I love you all! Thank you for your love and thoughts and support! Have a wonderful and Spiritual week!
TianFu Ai NiMen!
Elder Butters (Bao ZhangLao)
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