We have given out many Book of Mormons! It is awesome how each time one is given, it is through an inspired interaction that was not expected. There are so many good people. The subways always bring really spiritual and cool experiences. There are too many to write.
Our relief society and ward council is awesome. They try so hard and hold meetings in order to help everyone in the ward to grow together and come more into Christ.
We have had great opportunities for service; helping people translate at the hospital, visiting old widows from the Chinatown ward (one is in the hospital, too), and helping other families who are having a hard time (getting them the information/ contacts they need). We have four New Investigators. Two have attended church (Sister Li and Elise), but we have a very hard time scheduling lessons with them; they seem to be always working! They read the Book of Mormon and we are working one trying to get a Skype lesson in, or something during the week to teach! Sister Li bore her testimony in Relief Society! It was about 2 Nephi 28:3-8 (we sent her this when she was confused of why the LDS beliefs were any differemt than any other Christian church). It was very touching to many of the sisters. The other two (Fei Fei and Amber) have been taught the Restoration. Amber said she would think about baptism, and Fei Fei has a date for October 15th! Amber is a referral from Hong Kong who just moved here. Her phone number and address, however, had changed. It was a miracle on Sunday, when a member called and asked for the other two sisters to walk to the chapel to give her something (we accidentally took her food home along with our food that members so sweetly got for us). As they walked around the corner, they met none other than Amber, our lost referral. It is impossible not to recognize the hand of the Lord in His work! She came from an awesome area; one of the 6 Elders from the English class she used to love to attend was in my MTC group (Elder Love). We were so excited to have a great lesson with her and Kirstin from our ward Skyped in. She was great at bearing testimony and making Amber feel loved and important. Our member is now inviting Amber to a ward event on Saturday! I believe so strongly that having members involved in the conversion process is crucial. They need someone who shares those spiritual moments with them and gets to know them, for when the missionaries leave. They can look out for each other and be edified together.
We have been making a huge point in involving members. I was grateful to give a talk on Sunday about diligence and discipleship in Sacrament meeting. They asked me to give it in Cantonese (there are some Cantonese speaking members), and Sister Lin translated to Mandarin, while Elder Burch translated to English for the English family in the ward (through headphones). I had the opportunity to tie my talk into missionary work, and the importance for everyone to be involved in sharing their testimonies! We have been working very very hard to get members present in our lessons. I am hoping we can help Fei Fei have ward support. She is only 11 years old, and has no gospel family support. The relief society President, Sister Wu, was also able to pray for Elise before meeting her and she shared with Elise the story of what she had prayed for and how excited she was to meet her. It made Elise feel very special and excited to come again and learn more about our faith.
Thankful to be a part of the work. Thankful to know the truth of the Gospel.
The Temple and beautiful New York City
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