week #105 Monday, March 10, 2015 (last letter) Elder Bean flys into SLC on March 18, Homecoming on Sunday, March 22, 11:00 in Highland, Utah

Dear friends and family,

Well as two years comes to a close I've been pondering. Pondering a lot. I remember leaving home the very first night laying in my bed wondering, "What have I got myself into?" "What am I gonna do for the next two years. I remember that there were many days where I wondered if I was going to last the full two years. 

I spent a good amount of time in the MTC learning to work with a companion, to be patient, to seek the spirit. I remember wondering if Chinese would ever be learned or if I'd spend the entire two years faking my way. Eventually I made it to Taiwan, I quickly learned that my chinese was not even close to learned. I got sent to a faraway rural area called Gangshan. There I was trained by Elder Jensen, I started learning a lot about missionary work. I learned that miracles do happen. That people can change. That no matter how many flat tires, times your trainer's bike brakes. the work still goes on. I learned that there is a thing called the Gift of tongues. I also learned that moving on a mission sometimes is harder than moving in real life. 

Taizhong brought me to learn that the world is really small, I was able to be companions w/ Elder Gummow a classmate of mine that I'd never met, I was able to work w/ a mongolian, I was able to meet so many great people, I learned that we can be companions w/ anyone. I was with a great companion who I know is very different from me. Elder Pao. He taught me so much. Then I headed to Guiren.

Guiren taught me more than I ever thought I'd learn. I remember at the beginning of my mission people would say missionary work is hard and I'd tell them that was the biggest lie I'd ever heard, then in Guiren I learned missionary work is hard work. I have never spent so much time praying, fasting, studying w/ all my heart. I learned that even if we can ride fast or work hard, if our companion does not we need to slow down, we need to help them before we help others. I also learned that we are most happy when we are working hard. I was w/ Elder Lieske. Oh my goodness the fun we had. From running into a million crazy people, to contacting every single person in Guiren. We worked like crazy everyday. Always came back exhausted and ready to do more. Never "plateu". I learned what true comp unity could feel like. Then I trained, I learned a ton right there I learned a lot of skills, I learned that I myself lacked in a lot of areas and I needed to improve. But I loved it so much. Then I got the call I was going to be Elder Gummow's companion again, as a zone leader. 

There I learned that busy was not fully understood by me until that point. I've never been so busy. busy busy busy, and also I learned how much an influence one day w/ a missionary can have. We do have the ability to help a lot of people. The people around us can all become better, it is our purpose to invite all to come closer to Christ. Even our companion. I had so many companions there (great companions) Elder Gummow, Elder McCulloch, Elder Gassman, and Elder Shelton.

Then I got to be a white washing wizard. The funnest experience ever. I love pingdong it is a great area. I was blessed to train a great missionary Elder Tatton. This mission has taught me a lot. I think I'm starting to understand what the mission is, I can testify that it is God's work. I know that the scriptures have power. I know that The Savior's atonement really can allow us to change, give us comfort and make us who the Lord wants us to be. I know that the spirit needs to be the center of this work. I have loved every single second of it all. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is indeed the restored church of God. And that by following Jesus Christ we one day all will be able to receive salvation. We must remember if we have faith there is a way. 有信心有办法

Love you all!

 

Yours truly,

Elder Bean

Week #104 Monday, March 2, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

 

Well the countdown is getting pretty small. Don't worry I'm still working but man it's kinda freaky. So new missionaries finally made it on the island and drumroll please...... I'm staying but Elder Tatton is moving. He went up to Taizhong so I'll see him one last time before I get on the plane. My new companion is Elder Chen. He's a native missionary. 18, from Taibei, seems pretty cool. He's spent the last 6 months in Guiren (oh how I miss that place) but things look like they'll be a good 2 weeks. 

 

This week we were so busy. Always contacting and visiting investigators. Trying to help as many people as we could. We have been trying our best to help our current progressing investigator's keep progressing, that seems to be where we are struggling. So we hope to help them read and pray more. 

 

For mom's purpose, yes, this week was better, no sickness, no injuries, and I slept great. It was a good week on the safety side. (yay). I got to see Elder Shang at stake conference yesterday because  he studies at a nearby college. That was really fun. 

 

sooooooooo I'm sorry I'm blanking again. Oh here was a cool story, so this week for District Training Meeting (the meeting I have to lead and train my district every week) was my choice. The morning of I had no idea what I wanted to share so I prayed, studied, then I felt like working on "asking inspired questions".  So I made my DTM plans, felt good about it, but then we got to DTM and I didn't feel like it was right.  We started, we talked a little bit about our investigators... and then I felt like the topic I prepared wasn't right, so I completely switched topics, made up a new DTM on the spot. I could tell the spirit was leading, so I followed it, and it was one of my better DTM's. It's so cool when we see the spirit in the work. 

 

Ya, that was this week. I'm doing great. I will have a better email next week. 

 

I love you all!

Elder Bean

week #103 Monday, Feb. 23, 2015

Dear Friends and Family,

     So it was a great week. It was Guonian (Chinese New Year). So in other words all of our investigators decided to go out of town. Which meant.....We got to do a lot of finding. It was a great experience. We put ourselves out there we contacted and.....Everyone we talked to lives outside of our area. So we sent a ton of referrals out but hadn't found anyone in our area who was willing to meet. Then Saturday came around and we went tracting and after saying a prayer.... Our 2nd door we tracted had a lady sitting inside and she saw us and said. "Come on in!" She invited her husband to come in and we shared about our church. They seemed more than willing to act on our message and learn more. They were so great. Then Sunday night came and we went and visited a man who self contacted us. He lives in poor conditions, and seems to have a rough life. But as we shared the principles of the gospel, he seemed excited, he seemed ready. And then we invited him to be baptized and.....HE ACCEPTED!!! He set a goal for the 28th of March. Which is super cool. He also said he'd be willing to come to Stake Conference this week. It was a great experience. 

     So I'm sure plenty of you are aware my time is coming to a close. I think my body is trying to fight it off, or Satan doesn't want me to end my mission.  So far in the last week, I've crashed my bike, I hit my head on my windowsill on accident when I was sleeping. I've woken up to a huge earthdquake, And I've lost a ton of sleep. So if I can ask for any prayer it's that I won't die before I have to go home. Saftey prayers are always welcomed. 

    But on a more spiritual note. Today I was studying in 1 Nephi in the 17th chapter. I read the verse that talked about Nephi going up to the mountain, him hearing the Lord ask him to build a ship and he gladly accepts. First thing I thought about when I read that passage was...."why did the Lord ask Nephi, why not Lehi?" I pondered for about 3 minutes reading and re-reading. Then I started to realize, wait how old is Nephi. I saw he was prolly somewhere between the age of 20 and 25. This is right around my age. I thought about how I get to be a part of such a great work, despite he has plenty of great teachers in the church. He has power house testimonies, and yet he sends me out to do this, he has sent me to help build his ship. He allows us at this point in our lives to take on a part of his work. He needs us to learn, to grow, and get closer to him. 

     I'm loving the work, I love being a missionary, I love you all.

Elder Bean

week #102 Monday, Feb. 16, 2015

Well Another week older another week wiser.

 

Dear Family and Friends,

 

    I can't believe how time flew. It didn't help how I went on 2 exchanges this week. One w/ Elder Zeng (in our district) and one w/ Elder Jensen (our zone leader).  So needless to say, time went by faster than usual. This week we found a ton of great people. Despite it being the week before Guonian (Chinese new year), they were willing to meet. And it strengthened our faith in the Lord. On the way back from a dinner appointment we ran into person on his motorcycle, introduced ourselves and invited him over to the side of the road. He willingly accepted and we started to share our message and he got super excited. He said it was fate that we ran into him, we set up a time and met w/ him, and we discovered he is the most prepared person, his life is set up to here the message of the restoration of the gospel. I love the work.

     So new missionaries are breaking through the iron curtain of Taiwan. We have 12 that will be coming on the island on the 25th of February. We are starting to see success. Hopefully, we will continue to see missionaries come on the island. 

We are enjoying the work, Elder Tatton today is officially my longest companion and it seems we'll be companions until at least March 2nd if not until the end of my mission. Either one. We are happy together. I'm sorry I'm hitting a wall as I write this letter, but I do want to testify, I know this is the Lord's work. I know that as we read the BoM we will see success in our lives. The Lord is preparing us for a great work. I love you all!

Elder Bean

week #101 Monday, February 9, 2015

Hey everyone,

      So this week was yet another great week. Us missionaries put on a great ward activity about how to help the work progress. We did a skit, Elder Tatton and I proved our acting skills (and our chinese) by showing how hard missionary work is out in the real world, we get rejected a lot. But then how great missionary work is w/ the members. It went really well. Then we split up into 3 groups and rotated and trained the members how they can be better member missonaries (i.e. helping w/ lessons, giving referrals, and how to take care of investigators at church).

Outside of that Guonian is coming up (chinese new year) so a lot of people are busy, out of town, and not able to meet....so sad. But it's okay we are stilling seeing work done.

     Well things are going well. I can't believe how fast time is flying by. I love the work still, love my companion (still Elder Tatton) and I love being a missionary. 

Love you all

 

Elder Bean

week #100 Mon., Feb 2, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

     This week was a little bit harder. One of our solid investigator's has fallen off the radar and it seemed to take a toll on our work. It's always hard when that happens, but it's all good. We are still working on finding, teaching, and baptizing. This week we have some cool successes as we work w/ some LA's. It is cool to see people start to feel their testimonies build again. I love it when I see things like that. 

    Also a new thing has started for me. Because my last movecall started today, I can now call my RC's anytime I want to. So last night I started calling a few of them and it was so good to hear from them. I could feel their testimonies. I especially had an opportunity to talk to one who has been struggling to go to church recently b/c she has school on Sunday's. It was good to hear her desire to go. We talked a bit about praying and reading. I will stand by what I have told a million people while being on a mission.  If you read and pray everyday, you will be able to retain your testimony, as soon as you stop doing the simple things, that's when you get weak, and struggle to stay firm and steadfast. I am also excited to help strenghten each one of my RC's that I can. I love being a missionary.

    So the week of virtue was great, this week is a week of knowledge. So as I study every day during personal study, I'll start by writing down 3 questions. Then as I read the scriptures I will try and find an answer to those 3 questions. Today as I studied I realized the gospel really is the answer to most questions. If we want to know what to do to strengthen our friends, the answer is the focus on the gospel. If we want to know what can help secure us after the mission the answer is the gospel. The gospel changes us, allows us to become better, makes it so when we fall down there is a sure way to get back up. The answer is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

     I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, he has set the path. He has invited us to come unto him, that's the key, INVITED!!! He's not forcing anyone he wants everyone to choose for themselves the things that will make their life better. So let's spread it. It needs to reach everywhere. As cool as it is that we have 80,000+ missionaries preaching it, we still need help. The work needs 15,000,000+ missionaries constantly sharing, inviting and helping others come unto Christ. Let's not ever give up this great cause. 

I love you all

 

Elder Bean

week #99 Monday, Jan. 26, 2015

Dajiahao!

 

Hey everyone. It's been a great week. I love the work (as usual). But really this week was superb. W was baptized!!!! I was worried a lot this week because this week he had class all week, so we couldn't see him until Saturday. But then we went and visited him, he had already got his dad's signature, was excited for baptism, and was really receptive to the 5th lesson. He had a great baptismal service. A family gave him some church clothes so he can wear them every week to church. Success!

 

Another cool experience this week was with an investigator, he came to the church, met with us, and he brought his girlfriend, they sat down with us. We discussed the gospel of Jesus Christ and then we asked them what they thought about baptism. They were pretty willing, we asked if they would set a date and they did. They set it for the end of February, so I'm pretty excited for them, It'll be cool if they both join the church together. 

 

So this week is the week of virtue. As I reflected upon the 6th chapter of Preach My Gospel. I saw that a key part of virtue is repenting quickly. I thought about a few things I could do this week to exercise my virtue. I decided I want to memorize a hymn in chinese and second in order to be better about repenting. Every time I eat I will think about things I need to repent of. I hope that by doing this I can be more virtuous and be able to be a greater tool of the spirit for the people in this area. 

 

I also had a great opportunity to do missionary work with Elder Gassman, he came down for interviews and went on exchanges with us. It was so great. He is such a great missionary. Glad I got to be his companion, even if it was only for 3 weeks. That's something I have been thinking about recently, is how blessed I am to have the companions I did. I have been blessed to be surrounded with greatness. From my MTC district, to my trainer, to all of my companions, they are all great missionaries. They have inspired me, have led me to be a better person. I will always keep them in my prayers. I set a goal a long time ago... I decided I was going to help each one of my companions make it to the celestial kingdom. Until now, I didn't really understand how much that has influenced my relationship with all of my companions. Having eternal vision helps you realize the small problems don't matter, it doesn't matter to you if your companion is a little messy, he contacts strangely.  If you know you know that your going to be around for a lifetime, you start looking more for the positive things about each companion. You start to see how they help you more than how they annoy you. I know I was put with each one of my companions for a reason. All 13 of them are great missionaries. 

 

I know this work is God's, I know he has put us with speicific people for specific purposes. I have learned from each one of them, I know the church is true. The more I learn of Heavenly Father the more I love him and desire to be better. 

Keep pressing forward and Keep being Awesome!

 

I love you all so much!

Elder Bean

week #98 Monday, Jan. 19, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

 

The week of hope was a good success. I am well pleased. This week I think I'm starting to understand the role of commitments and following up a lot more. I've been focusing a lot more on inviting my investigators to do things that will help them develop their faith. I've been setting up times to follow up with them. I've been trying to help these people see the changes they are going through. It is something I've struggled with throughout my mission. Following up really is necessary.  I loved Elder Ballards talk back in April of last year when he talked about "Following Up". 

 

Our investigator  will be baptized this saturday! I'm so excited. The ward has been on top of it. They are super excited for him. We've also finely been meeting some less actives who are willing to meet. WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS!!!! I am loving the work it is going great. 

 

So ya. I'm sorry I'm running into walls while writing this letter. I know that the church is true. I know that this is the Lords work. The church has been restored. Jesus Christ lives, and families can be together forever. Life is to beautiful. I love seeing investigator's realize how great this gospel is. I love being able to work alongside some amazing members on a daily basis. I love my Savior. He has done so much for me. I love being a missionary. I pray for everyone of you. Keep up the great work. Keep praying, keep loving. keep being awesome.

Love you all,

Elder Bean

week #97 Monday, Jan. 12, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

 

Well what a great week we had. I am loving the work. It is great. We have been working hard and we are seeing successes. We met with a great family this week who was all willing to meet with us again. The father is a baker and gave us plenty of treats to bring home. I'm super excited to work with them. The father has asked that we give him american recipes so if you think of any to send... He'd love it. 

 

This week I have finished yet another goal... I have read the entire standard works on my mission. That's right, I read the new testament the first half of my mission. I spent a good 8 months on the old testament (and pearl of great price). and In the last 5ish weeks I have now finished the Doctrine and Covenants. The church is true. I love the scriptures. They are all amazing. Read them! Please read the scriptures if there is anything someone should get from my letters, let them know that the scriptures really are some of the greatest things in our possession. I love it all. From the Book of Mormon being one of the most life changing books in the world. The most true and un-altered scripture we have. It is the pure word from God. I will ever be greatful for it. Then the New Testament. So much is in that book of scripture. I love reading about the Savior, how he responds to his disiples, how he shows so much love, so amazing. Then the Old Testament. Has some of the craziest most epic stories that are ever written. There is no way they aren't true. The prophets of old are such a proof that we need prophets in our day. Then the Doctrine and Covenants are such an inspiration. They are straight from the prophet's revelation. He spoke with God. Joseph Smith is a revelator, prophet and seer. He is God's chosen servant and the church has been restored on the earth. I know that all those books are from God. I know because I have read them for myself. I have felt the words radiate with truth as I study them. I know God does reveal his word to us in these days. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Love you all!

Elder Bean

week # 96 Monday, Jan. 5, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

 

Well it has been a great week. I felt like it was just filled w/ goodness. We have some great investigators. Please pray for them. Updates on them Warren is awesome. He's 11 he is loving church, comes every week, he prays, he reads, he doesn't have a problem w/ word of Wisdom. He's looking solid for his date on January 24th. L,  we got a hold of his son, L doesn't speak Chinese.  His son said that his dad had a great time at church, wants baptism and is so excited about he offered to take him to church this week on his own. But here's the crazy part. I know him. He played basketball once with Elder Gummow and I. I was pretty shocked at how small the world is. Then V is an english student who has been meeting with us outside of English class to discuss our church, the BoM, and God. He's starting to see changes of his understanding of God. He is great.

 I've started outlining the next 10 weeks. I'm pumped. I have a bunch of different things that I believe will stretch me. My companion is excited because he loves to push himself. So this will be very easy. So here is a great miracle story for the week. We were out in our secondary area. We were going to visit 3 less actives and an active member. But on the way to the active member, a 17 year old stopped us and asked if we knew where we were going. We didn't quite know. We showed him the address and he said he knew a short cut. I still don't know if it was a short cut but it was very nice, and so we followed him. Then he said just to keep heading straight and we'd find it ourselves. Well we got lost....we asked a betel nut shop where to go they pointed us in a direction. And then there was a giant tractor tearing up the road and we were told we couldn't go forward. But we saw someone nearby so we started talking to him. As we continued to talk he was impressed that 2 twenty year olds were trying to help others believe in God. He felt no one that young could really believe in God. So we told him we'd share how we know. He said, well come to my house and you can sit while you share. We went over immeadiately sat down, and shared some scriptures, told him about praying to know if they are true, if God exists, if there is life after death. He was ecstatic to try it out. We set up a time to go visit him again next week. So overall it was pretty amazing. 

I'm loving the work, loving the 10 week plan. This week I'll be working on Faith, praying and trying to do as much as I can in every day. I know this is God's work, I know he has a plan. This church isn't just true, it is amazing, and will lead ALL people to happiness and peace in this life and the eternities. 

 

I love you all

Elder Bean

week #95 Mon. Dec. 28, 2014

    Well I'll start with a small story from last week. So Elder Tatton has an older brother, his brother went into the MTC March 6th 2013....In case you aren't aware that is the same week as I went in. So the story takes place on December 26th 10:23 (Taiwan standard time) As Elder Tatton was skyping his family, his mom picked up the ipad they were skyping with. They showed him the house and showed him the countdown for him...and his brother. Then she said "look at how much time your brother has left?....10 Weeks!!!" I fell over. In shock. Realizing my life as a missionary is coming to a close. I realized "10 weeks that's nothing, that's no time at all, that's the end....." Then I realized something.... "wait...I have 11 weeks, oh good still have plenty of time." So we came back from that and I told Elder Tatton I was going to make a plan. A plan of all plans. The plan that would allow me to put everything I got on the table. A plan of intense work. I was going to make a plan that will pull me in every direction, give me more pressure than I've felt before. I was going to push my limits. Reach farther, do more, and change more. I called it the 10 week plan! so this is what I'll be putting myself through for the next little while. It's now no longer the end just a new beginning. I divided it into a few separate categories, spiritual, physical, language, the work, and other. I wrote some B.H.A.G's (Big hairy audacious goals [basically just the overarching goal over this 10 week period]), then I made small goals in each week things I would do to remain focused, have energy and enthusiastic for the work.

     After I made the plan I felt a lot more ready. I'm gonna need a lot of extra help from the Saviors atonement. I will also need a lot of motivation. It starts next week and I want to invite everyone to help me out on this. Send me one inspirational quote before next week. I hope that I can have a lot of quotes by next week to help me get through the plan. I understand there are many of you who are busy but one quote that'll do. 

 

Dear family and friends,

Sorry that was the main things I wanted to go out. But this week was great, I loved skyping the family. You all are great. We've been meeting with a lot of new people they seem very promising. We have 2 people looking to get baptized in January. They are both coming to church, praying, looking good on commandments, It'll be great to see them progress. Elder Tatton and I have had a great Christmas. So many miracles. I love you all, keep up the great work.

 

with love,

 

Elder Bean

week #94 Mon. Dec. 21, 2014

Merry Christmas,

 

     No matter whether they believe in Jesus Christ or not. Almost everyone is excited to hear and say "Shengdanjie Kuaile" which means Merry Christmas! Which just makes the season that much more special as we get to do some of the greatest service during this season. This week was a little crazy, less time to proselyte, more things throwing our plans out of whack. But I'm happy. I come home everyday asking God for a confirmation that I did my best. I love the feeling when I do. When I know God is saying. "Elder Bean, I am pleased". Of course as usual we did the same this week as we usually do. We contacted our hearts out to everyone. Testifying. turning around suddenly on the street because we know that this message is more important than convenience. More important than work, food, sleep, and the things that these people are doing. The message we are sharing is That God has restored his gospel, he has revealed once again the plan of salvation, which tells us how to make it back to our Father in Heaven. 

     I spent a good amount of time studying the doctrine of the lessons we teach everyday. I am amazed at how deepening my understanding of those lessons doesn't make the things I know more complicated, further from the main message, but it makes it simpler, it makes sense, and I can testify of it so much easier. Everyday I study the beautiful truths within the Book of Mormon. I am amazed at how much of a miracle that it has come forth. Prophets prayed, fasted, begged that this would come to our day. They knew we would need it. I also will study Doctorine and Covenants, which has made me better understand that Joseph Smith had to be a prophet of God, we also need to have revelation in our daily life in order to make it back.

     We find, we teach, and we help people work towards baptism. To what purpose, to get good numbers to turn in...no. To increase our church population...no. The truth of the nature is because we love these people. The taiwanese people need these truths not just for exaltation (they do need it for that) but in their daily life. They need these truths that I have been blessed to grow up with. Without it they don't understand life in it's pure form.

     I know the church is true. I know that I am doing God's work. I love it. I love this season.

I testify that Christ is our savior, he is our way, he loves us. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Elder Bean

week #93 Mon. Dec. 14, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

    Well this week was filled w/ miracles. I love the work I really do. This week we met people. Woah that's a change. I was starting to forget that we were white washing because we had a lesson practically every day. YES! Tuesday we went on exchanges w/ the zone leaders. It was fun. We met w/ a cool new investigator. We visited some less actives. 

Then Wednesday. We got to meet w/ one of the recent converts that's been missing in action recently. Thursday we had a great miracle day. So that morning we woke up. I wasn't feeling like running like we had planned to. But I figured it was important that we at least tried to go to the track. So we ran, we were in our exercise clothes. Normally nothing that crazy happens when we exercise, but when we finished exercising a man came up to us. Started talking to us about who we were, whey we were in Taiwan, we explained, then he asked us to come over to his house. So we did and it was so cool. We met with a family who were all interested in what we had to share. God is sending people to us. He is both leading us and leading them. It was a crazy awesome really neat miracle. 

     Friday....pretty normal planned, went on exchanges w/ the other pingdong elders. Saturday the sisters had a baptism and we were able to get one of our investigators over to it. He loved it. He had a great time, and because of it he decided to set a date to be baptized. It was awesome. So now we are actually touching every phase of the work. 

     Lately in personal study I've been studying the doctrine of the lessons a lot. I can testify I know this church is true. The plan of salvation is true, it is the way. It was revealed by a prophet. I know that God loves each one of his children and He has sent us to help gather them back. I love the work. I hope all is well. Until next week,

 

love you all

sincerely 

Elder Bean

week #92 Monday, Dec. 7, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

 

     This week was a pretty great week. We had a lot of small miracles. We worked really hard and we are starting to see a change in the work. We are still contacting, but about Friday I was sitting there thinking....Wait we are missing a huge margin. I then realized that we needed to start focusing on Part Member Families. So we've been brainstorming a ton. We got a list from the bishop of Part Member families so now we have to go and try and set up times to go and visit them. 

Lately I've been studying the Doctrine and Covenants, and I feel like it is so easy to tell it is the word of God. Every time I open it up I usually feel edified and uplifted. I think it is amazing to know that we have living prophets in our dispensations. We can hear the Lord's voice once again, like in olden days. I love it, I think it's great.

     We are really trying to put some effort into working with the ward. I feel like we are starting to know the people, we are starting to understand Pingdong, and now I definitely feel that The Lord can and will help us find great people to bring into the church here in Pingdong.

     There was a really cool kid (11 years old) that we got to work with this week. The sisters met w/ a boy about 5 months ago, but he went to Taibei for a few months. They finally ran into him again and let us start meeting w/ him. He came to church on Sunday and loved it. It was a great experience for him. He had people friendship him, he felt very attached to the church. He told me that he reads and prays still. It is amazing how little kids are so able to follow Jesus Christ and it isn't to hard for them to do. We shared lesson two, the plan of salvation w/ him yesterday and he loved it. It made sense to him and he was able to explain why he needs Jesus Christ in this plan. He's a great one. He will definitely be a great member someday. 

     Thursday we had our Christmas Activity with all the missionaries in our mission, I have pictures but my computer won't read my camera, so maybe another day....

    Well I am still loving the work a lot, I am continually studying the Book of Mormon, Preach my Gospel, and I'm touched everyday by the spirit those two books can bring into my day. I know that God leads this work, I know that the church is true, and I know that Christ lives. 

 

w/ love

 

Elder Bean

week #91 Monday, Dec. 1, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Well This week was a lot of contacting, a lot of contacting, and oh ya more contacting. But man I have a great companion. He's so motivated. Has a ton of energy, and he doesn't seem to be depressed. It's been great. So first Monday we went to our secondary area. Called Jiuru, to go meet with a member. Once we got there he said, "okay so I'm the only active male here in the ward, so we are gonna try and change that" So we went and visited 3 less actives in the area and met some great people that we can start working with. It was so cool. I've never had a member be so proactive about the work. I'm excited Pingdong is a good place.

Then Tuesday we had Mission Tour. It was great. I learned a ton, I was super excited to work. We went out and worked, hard. We contacted everywhere we went, invited everyone we could to learn more. and nothing. nothing. nothing. What were we doing wrong, no one was setting up. Then the answer hit me. Who were we relying on. We were relying on ourselves. I decided then we needed to say a prayer. We asked God to bless us and help us to find more success. The next thing we did is we contacted a park and ran into a bunch of people who not only were interested, THEY WERE WILLING TO SET UP!!! It was a miracle. We found ten people that day who were willing to learn more. 

This work is God's work. I know it is. I can not deny it. I love the Lord my God. I love the scriptures. I love the work.

 

Elder Bean

p.s.- finished reading the old testament this week. Now I'm reading Doctrine and Covenants, then I will have read the entire standard works while being on a mission. Yes!

week #90 Monday, Nov. 24, 2014

Hey Everyone,

 

So it's official I am a white washing wizard. I'll get to that in a second though. So last week we were super busy trying to strengthen our area. We seemed to be super busy, between balancing my current area, preparing to go white wash and helping other missionaries in our zone. Then Wednesday we went to a train, the trainers meeting, it was good, it helped me have some time to think and process what I hoped to do with my new missionary. Thursday came around, we planned a ton, I planned for the next week what I was going to do, where my focus would be. 

Then Friday came. I went up (very early ~4:30 in the morning) We traveled up. Everyone had questions for how they should train. I was the only one sitting by so I shared my experiences. Then we made it to Taizhong, it was chaos. Because it was move call day, everyone else was there. We got pulled into the chapel where president told us that the group that came on was doing awesome. However they had some expeiriences while waiting for visas. Quite a few had companions in other missions that were struggling with obedience, dilligence, and morality. He said that he hopes we can be good examples and help these missionaries have better experiences. Then the meeting started. I got my new missionary drum roll please.......................ELDER TATTON! He is a fireball. He read my name I got up went and hugged him. As we were going back to our seats I told him Elder congrats you're white washing. His eyes got big and he was excited. He is so fun to serve with. He has a ton of faith. super obedient, his chinese isn't half bad either. Then we took a 4 hour train ride back to Pingdong. We hopped on a taxi and traveled to our apartment. We put our stuff in the apartment, then we tried tracting a bit before we went to the Ward Cordination Meeting. Saturday we contacted a bit that morning but no success. Then I realized...wait! we should say a prayer. So we prayed for some help contacting. We then turned down a random road and ran into a man who was pulling into his house. We talked to him a bit and he said he'd love to bring his kids and wife over to our church some time. BAM MIRACLE. Then contacting became super easy for us. Obviosly it was the Lord's hand.

I'm not gonna lie, whitewashing is different than I thought it would be. It's a lot more work. But here's the seceret of the matter, it's not the work that makes things happen. It's the work that reminds you you're doing it wrong and you need to turn the Savior. This is his work. and I love it. 

I'm enjoying Pingdong, I feel like it'll be my last area. I am excited for it. Pingdong is a golden area. 

 

I love you all!

Elder Bean

week #89 Monday, Nov. 17, 2014

Dear Fam and Friends.

 

So some big news. I'm moving....On Friday. We don't know where, we don't know who will be my new companion. But we know that 21 new missionaries are coming on island this week (late because of the visa problems).  So President Blickenstaff sent out a fax Saturday Night w/ a list of the names of the missionaries that will most likely be moving, told us that yesterday was their last Sunday in that ward. And I was on that list....:( It's super weird that I'm leaving and moving somewhere else. But it's all good. I'm more curious about where I'm going, We'll find out tomorrow night. Well ya.

So last week we spent P-day playing football, then went to TGI Fridays....ya we are definitely more in the city part of Taiwan. Then Tuesday we went on exchanges with some elders. Had a great time, We went on splits. That was the first time I had to do that on exchanges. But it was a good lesson. Then we had a good talk about Elder Shang, the missionary I was with also served with Elder Shang. It was good to hear some stories about my old companion. Let's see. Friday we went on exchanges again with Gangshan Elders. I went to Gangshan, with Elder Lieske. So I was basically in heaven that weekend. But here's the cool part of that story.

 

That night we met with one of the RC's (W) (he investigated when I was there). As we were discussing the topic of (R) came up. For those who don't know (R) is one of my very first RC's overcame smoking, coffee, all because of his faith in God. He was super solid, had a lot going for him. Then in July soon after I moved here, the Gangshan Elders called me up telling me that he had just gone apostate. Someone from work had handed him Anti-mormon literature. I was invited by them to try and get ahold of him. I tried calling but never answered. Well,  we were meeting w/ (W) and he asked about (R), I explained some stuff. Then I asked Him to pray for (R). As we got back that night, I felt prompted to try calling him again. So I called...HE ANSWERED. (R) and I talked a bit and then asked if he could meet with me on Saturday. I set up with him and we met with him. I didn't talk much about the antimormon stuff. I just loved him, talked to him as a friend then in the end I asked him how he was doing, and he said he was going to go meet with the missionaries in Gangshan again. I AM SO HAPPY!!!!!! I was sad for him for a while, but now I know he was a reason I had to come here to Gaoxiong. I love the work.

 

I'M TRAINING!!!!! I just got a call from president. I'm going to be white washing Pingdong. That's the southern tip of the mission. I can't believe it. so that tells you where I'm going on Friday. Well that's all for this week,  I love you all. Until next time!

 

Love,

Elder Bean

week #88 Monday, Nov. 10, 2014

Dear Family and friends,

It's a new move call and guess what? No one is leaving or coming!!!! because of the shortage of missionaries coming on the island, president is going to wait two weeks when we get the new missionaries before moving anyone. It's super crazy. But I'm happy, I get to spend more time with Elder Shelton, Elder Faddis, and Elder Sheanshang. 

So we had a great ZTM. We practiced teaching the second lesson (Plan of Salvation) then we had a great english training meeting with all the english leaders. We hope to increase our baptism's from english. Then we met with our District leaders. I made sure to encourage them all, and help them feel the love from President. I don't know if that was what did it, but our zone did awesome this week. We went and worked. bam. boomshakalacka.

We didn't get to go on the exchanges we were planning on because the companionship was sick and the other elders we were going to go with cancelled last minute. So Elder Shelton and I got to work together more. Which was a great blessing. I love working with him. He's such a great teacher. Wednesday we had a great english party. Lot's of people came. It seemed like everyone enjoyed it. The theme was pirates. ya... ON Thursday night we gotta call from the assistants to ask everyone to call all there female recent converts and ask if they can be short term missionaries. So I got to call half my Recent Converts and check if they could do that. It was good to hear that they are doing well. I did feel sad to hear that some weren't reading, praying, coming to church. I feel like it's hard to see those you've worked with decide not to continue doing the things they should be doing. 

 

It's been a good week looking forward to next. 

Sincerely Elder Bean

week #87 Monday, Nov. 3, 2014

Hey everyone,

It's been a good week. So onday we got the flu shots that were required of us. Then we we went and visited the Bishop and his family. Had a great dinner. Then on Tuesday we went on exchanges, I was with Elder Cuartas, he's a great missionary. He's from Columbia, he works super hard and he sees a ton of miracles. 

We had a good english class Wednesday. Then we went up to Taizhong for MLC. It was great really fun to see all the other zone leaders and to learn from President. I also was able to renew my Temple Reccomend. Which means I've been endowed for over two years. That's weird. I definitely miss going to the temple. I think that'll be something I look forward to for sure. Anywho. Friday we went on exchanges w/ Xiaogang I got to go w/ Elder Tolman again. It was super fun. We had a ward activity, went to a funeral, but the craziest thing was I forgot my bag that had my razor, and all my other stuff. So I discovered I can grow a beard if I don't shave 1 day. Don't worry I shaved by the end of the day. But it was definitely weird. 

So something cool that happned is we were visiting one of our family investigators. And as we were there the peike went off on some tangent but the spirit was still there and then we felt prompted to invite the daughters to set a date to be baptized, and they did. They have a date as a family, and they are working together. It's super exciting. Just need to help them come to church and they should hit there date. 

I know this is God's work. I love my companion, I'm learning a ton, but I don't know how to explain it all. I know that God has provided a plan. That plan is his plan of salvation. I love you all. 

See ya next week

Elder Bean

week #86 Monday, Oct. 27, 2014

Hey everyone,

 

     It's been another week and man time has flown. Elder Shelton and I have been getting along very well. He has such a great testimony in the plan of salvation. He's a great worker. And he's really good with people. 

     This week we have really been working hard with families. We have 2 families that we are working with a Shi family and a Wang family. They are both great. One huge thing is trying to help them progress as a family and not let anyone left behind. 

     Sadly though I can't think of anything really until Saturday. We had a cool experience where we decided we should start heading back to the chapel for the other elders baptism that night. But on the way back I got super lost. Which is weird because I've been here for 2 or 3 move calls now, but I got so lost. We wandered for 30 minutes still unsure of where we were. But then we pulled up to a stoplight in the middle of nowhere, and we saw him. We talked to him and we found out a ton about him. He was super curious about our church. Then I realized I knew exactly where we were, we were about 2 minutes away from the church. I asked if he'd like to come with us to see the baptism. He said he was willing. We brought him there and he said he felt really good, felt peaceful. It was an awesome miracle.
Sunday i woke up with a very swollen finger. I took some advil, but still wasn't quite working. So I called Sister blickenstaff. She had me pull out all of my medicine and I had one pill that would suffice. It was benedryl (spelling is prolly wrong). She warned me that it would definitely cause me to be drowsy, but it would help my finger. After discussing the pros and cons with my companion, I decided to take the pills. Slowly the finger was getting better, we got to church and then suddenly bam! I was out cold. I Slept through all 3 hours, my companion explained to everyone why I was sleeping through every meeting. So I hope no one was super angry. But now my finger is normal sized, so I can't complain.

     Well those are my two stories for the week. Sorry,  next week I'll do better.

 

Love,  Elder Bean