WALK WITH ME (31 & 32)

Happy Easter!

     First Easter here in Korea and it was pretty anticlimactic. The Easter Bunny did not come to the missionaries unfortunately but the flowers sure did. I am blessed to be here in Gongju at this time because of all the Cherry Blossoms that have shown up all over the trees. I literally cannot describe how fast they showed up. One day it was as barren as a desert and the next it was almost as if someone switched a light on and there was white pedals everywhere! So things are warming up here in Korea but lets go ahead and talk about the week(s).

Missionary Work

     These past 2 weeks, im not going to sugarcoat, have been pretty rough. We have seen relatively no success when it comes to our Key Indicators of Conversion (KI). That isn't to say we haven't been working hard its just the people here in Gongju are just either too busy or just don't care. We spent a majority of the past couple weeks finding. We've met some great people but none of them care to meet back up with us. But you know thats just something you have to get used to as a missionary. It doesn't help that I have felt my relationship with my companion to slowly decline as well. I just haven't felt the same love as I have with any of my other comps. Frankly, I think it’s because I need to start doing more to help him. Overall though, this is the Lord's work and he has something in store for me I just have to endure through a lot and I will start to see some mysterious miracles.

Here in Korea we watch conference about a week after it comes out because of all the translating. So, Sunday the 12th we as a ward watched the Sunday morning session of conference. Then I watched the afternoon session. I learned something from all the talks I listened to and that was the importance of walking with Jesus. If you notice, somehow each talk was relatively connected to following Jesus. I especially loved Elder Rowe's talk about him navigating a literal minefield by following a guides exact footsteps. He then connected it to how we should be doing the same with Jesus Christ. I had been trying to find a solution to fix my sadness these past two weeks and after hearing that made me realize just how amazing Jesus Christ is. What makes him so amazing is this:

No matter who you are, no matter what you've done, and no matter how hard you tried even when there is no success. He still loves you. He still cares for you. He recognizes your problems and he is always there to heal you. He is the only one who can. Because he personally knows you. But how can we find him? How can we follow in his footsteps? That is the answer I am still trying to perfect. But, here is an easy first step that can set you on the right path. It is personal prayer. I cannot describe to you how important this is. I have felt this when receiving so much harsh feedback out here about how I need to be better and be more and more obedient to the point that it can feel unbearable. To then be told if I can't do this I will receive no blessings and no miracles. I have felt alone and like a failure because of my imperfections. As I have turned to God and consulted him in prayer about my difficulties I have felt the overwhelming presence of the spirit confirming to me the love of Christ. I felt a sense of peace. I felt like I mattered in the eyes of God and Jesus Christ. 

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Conclusion

     In other news transfers are almost over. we figure out where we will be going tomorrow. I'm always a little nervous for these meetings just because they literally determine what we will be doing for the next 6 weeks! I hope to be greatful for whatever happens.

I promise I am doing okay. We all have rough days but that is simply because God is preparing something so much better soon. This transfer been a real test of strength thats for sure. But my faith has never waivered. I know why I am here. I hope to continue this work to my fullest potential. I am so greatful to have Jesus Christ to guide me and be there for me. Who, What, and Where would I be if it weren't for him? I'll tell ya it wouldn't be very good haha.

Love Y'all

-Elder Christensen