I must be prepared at all times to cast my net on the other side. Having the faith that the harvest will be great is sometimes hard to do when the night has gone by with nothing. The Savior will prepare the way.
This week as Elder Peng and I were contacting we were able to see some miracles. I have realized how much my study and preparation during companionship study affects those I meet on the street. I planned and worked with Elder Peng as we read from chapter 10 of Preach My Gospel each day for those we meet on the street. I met a Zhang Di Xiong, he was at the park exercising, and just as I was about to leave the area, I noticed that he had sat down near me. I started to talk to him and he opened up to the message immediately. We taught him again and he asked wonderful questions and is seeking to know how this will help him. He came to church and while there learned and asked more questions and I showed him answers in the Book of Mormon. Each time his eyes lit up and he realized that the Book of Mormon is the source of the gospel. He said that he wasn't sure how to pray the right way. I showed him the index description of prayer. He asked how much we could pray, I showed him Alma 37:36-37. This is a prepared soul. Beyond him we had more at church, a man who is trying to quit smoking, another man who from the first time I met him has been moved by the power of prayer and said for himself that the Book of Mormon has answers to our life's questions, and a man from our english class who decided to come to church. He said he learned about his responsibilities at home, as he lives alone. It was a revelatory experience to see their growth in the gospel.
This was not all, we were able to teach a student who just got out of the army. He prayed at the end of our lessons, after being unwilling. He said this prayer and during the prayer the spirit was poured out. We got off our knees and as I talked to him after the lesson I noticed that his face had a glow about it, that he had changed. Unfortunately he works all the time. I hope in our next visit we can instil the fire of the gospel within him.
This week as I read the last General Conference Ensign and the Book of Mormon Liahona I was absolutely blown away at the testimonies of our living prophet and apostles. We hold in our hands the words of God; we can feel His love for His children. All one need do is open the book and begin reading with the spirit and knowledge will be poured down from Heaven. Alma only asks for a particle of desire, Benjamin invites his people to partake. The Lord's prophets have invited us to put ourselves on trial and read the book. The promise will always stand that those who open it and read with real intent, then ask the Father in the name of Jesus Christ will, by the power of the Holy Ghost, receive a testimony of its truthfulness. As I read this sacred record daily I feel its influence. As I invite others I can see how it changes hearts. This is the oldest and greatest tract. It softens hearts and comforts those in need. It calls us to repentance and renewed diligence. It invites, warns, expounds, exhorts, and teaches (all the duties of the priesthood D&C 20). I would invite you to simply have a particle of desire and daily sacrifice time to the Lord in order to receive the greatest blessings which God has prepared.
Beyond all this I have been listening to a lot of classical music lately, I have realized my love for Vivaldi and the church hymns. There is so much in the power of music. I keep seeing interesting translations of signs and chuckle to myself as I try to speak in english but only Chinese comes out. I am teaching the basic english class every Wednesday night, it surprises me that I am able to communicate with my class having only been here for three and a half months. The Lord truly does bless and prepare his servants. I know the gift of tongues is real.
I know that this church is true. I know that I am doing the Lord's work and he has prepared his children to hear my words. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that we have a living prophet on the earth, guiding us to "Life eternal."(John 17:3)
Love,
沈義謙
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