Family, isn't it about time?

That is a line that I have always loved from the Mormonads. I think that is really where everything needs to come from. I have slowly come to the realization of the change in the world. Many of the people that I talk to are more interested in a job and money than their family. The rising generation is losing much of its religious backing and focus on marriage (which seems to be the topic of the week). I love all the advice that our Prophet and Apostles have given us. it is nice to know that there is nothing that is not watched over by the Lord.

This week (since temple day) has been very good, on Thursday we taught a man that is confused about baptism, but loves how the teachings of the Savior have helped to change his life. That lesson was one of the greatest lessons I think that I have been able to participate in. I hope that as he goes and does he will come to realize that all he has done is preparing him as he continues to live the teachings of Jesus Christ. His wife wants to be baptized into another church, because that is where her friends are, and he is thinking of just following her. We meet with him this coming Wednesday and I hope that as we are able to meet with both of them we can help them to see the truth of the restoration and then bring her friends to their Savior through receiving the restored gospel.

We also taught a student named Li Yi Guan. He has come a few times and has been praying. We taught him a lesson about the Book of Mormon, so that he would begin reading and praying to know. He wants to change his life and loves the idea of repentance. He also came to church this week and loved it. It has instilled in him a desire to learn more about the gospel so that he can progress and be baptized. His family lives in TaiZhong, they hopefully will also be able to accept the gospel so that the family can be baptized and sealed in the temple.

Last but not least, we are teaching to friends in high school. One is a son of a inactive mother and active father (they are divorced). He lives with his mom and his father lives in mainland China. The other is a girl that comes from a harder background (which I don't know the extent of). They both love the doctrine of the gospel and do everything. Fan Zhi Qing (the girl) loves the principle of the atonement and the resurrection and being able to live with our father in heaven. They are both artists and are very good, it is fun to have them draw the plan of salvation as we teach it to them.

Slowly but surely the work is moving forward in Zhong Li. I met a man at a park that had just been baptized yesterday, he helped me understand just a little bit more about Ammon and his explanation of God. It is good that others can teach missionaries as we try to teach them.

As we met at a members house for dinner last night a point was brought up that I have noticed very clearly. Missionaries are on a different plane. We are enabled to be more spiritual because of the time we spend each day. Another side effect is that we can see our weaknesses very clearly. There are so many, and each seems worse off than the last. As I have been studying recently I have come to realize that the way through is not to be caught thinking about all the space left in the half full glass, but to think of how much has already been added and turn around and keep moving. Things will continue to change, unless I get stuck thinking about one weakness and don't try to improve. The gospel really is a fine line.

I know that this gospel is true, I know that as I open my mouth it will be filled by the Holy Ghost. I know that there are angels above us and around us, lifting us above that which would bring us down. I know that every disappointment in life will be made up. I know that through the Atonement and grace of the Savior I can be healed. I know that the words which are spoken now and of old are all true, they are the works and words of God. I know that this church is true. "I know that my Redeemer lives, triumphant Savior, Son of God" ("My Redeemer Lives" Hymns #135)

Love,

沈義謙

P.S. I finally figured out how to do the characters on this computer!