The Peace the Gospel Brings April 18, 2016

This week was unlike any other week of my mission. For those of you that are unaware, this past Tuesday Elder David Hampton was killed in a car accident here in Taiwan. I did not know Elder Hampton extremely well, but I was blessed to be sent to serve in the same ward as him and his companion Elder Quist the day before he passed away. We were able to get some meals together and him and his companion shared with Elder Chen and I about what the work was like in the Zhang Hua 1st ward. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each and every one of His children and his plan usually transcends our human understanding. As Elder Chen and I were walking home Tuesday night (we still didn't have bikes at the time) we were passing the church when we had the thought that maybe we want go inside the church and see if there are any members that we could meet (#whitewashinglife). It was in the lobby of the church where we met a Brother Huang who introduced himself as a 1st ward member. We were excited to meet him, but he seemed concerned about something. He then informed us of the accident, but did not know all of the details. He then received some texts which he showed us. With my very little understanding of Chinese characters I could only understand the last line which said something like, "returned to Heavenly Father". Then the next text which said, "Hampton". I could not believe it! However, I didn't have much time to think because at that very moment, President Blickenstaff called and said that we need to get to Zhang Hua Christian Hospital as soon as possible and help Elder Quist. The next second, we asked Brother Huang if he would be able to take us to the hospital which he was glad to do. On the way there Brother Huang was telling us that it was strange that we were able to meet up. He said that he usually doesn't go to the church on weekdays and just decided that it would be a good place to wait while he gets more details about the accident. We got to the hospital extremely quick and were able to comfort Elder Quist a little and after a couple other missionaries got there we were able to give him a priesthood blessing which was one of the most electrifying spiritual moments of my mission. I know that Elder Chen and I would not have been able to get to the hospital in the time we were needed if we had not stopped at the church. I know that President Blickenstaff receives revelation for our mission and that Zhang Hua 1st ward is where I need to be (why else would we be sent to white wash in a relatively small area where there are already two elders?). Miracles! I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each and every one of His children and the events of this past week have helped me understand that principle better than ever before. It's been amazing to serve with Elder Quist for the last few days. After a few days in the mission home, he returned to Zhang Hua to help out here. He, along with the Hamptons and others here in the mission that knew Elder Hampton, have held fast to their testimonies and it has brought them the peace that only the gospel of Jesus Christ brings. I have felt it too and I know that God will continue to bless us as we live the gospel. :)

In other news, we are going to a Taiwanese style bbq buffet today. :)

Oh, and my son Elder Chen is a BOSS. He's a baller/amazing at the piano but he's so humble at the same time!!!

Love you all,

Elder Poon