Winter Winds January 16, 2017

Hello!

Things have been slowing down a little bit on our little island out here off the coast of Taiwan. The winter winds are constantly blowing here and have been keeping the residents of Magong City in their homes. This has made finding new investigators a bit more difficult as of late, but we continue to see success as we show faith and diligence in the work. I feel like I have really adjusted to life here now and Elder Fear and I ready to go hard during this last week of the transfer. 

Many missionaries when asked, "What are your hopes and dreams concerning your mission?" will respond by saying that they hope that by the end of their mission they want to be able to say that they gave it their all and have no regrets. I've been thinking a lot this week about what it means to have NO REGRETS. 

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central in missionary work. I think to have no regrets towards one mission would have to include understanding that the Atonement applies to the missionary just as much as it does to the investigator. I can only speak for myself, but I there are definitely times on my mission when I've made mistakes, when I didn't follow a prompting that I should have, when I didn't use time as effectively as I should have, when I didn't get out of bed right on time, etc. These are definitely things that will prevent a missionary from having the spirit (which is the single most important element in missionary work). However, I know that through the power of the Atonement, real intent, and action on my part I am able to overcome my shortcomings and move past my weaknesses with faith towards the future and NO REGRETS. My hope is that during the last few months of my mission and throughout the rest of my life that I will have continue to build a stronger and stronger testimony and understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I hope that you all will be able to as well. As you do you can ponder this piece from David A. Bednar in his last conference talk titled "If Ye Had Known Me". In that talk, President Bednar states, "I am acquainted with Church members who accept as true the doctrine and principles contained in the scriptures and proclaimed from this pulpit. And yet they have a hard time believing those gospel truths apply specifically in their lives and to their circumstances. They seem to have faith in the Savior, but they do not believe His promised blessings are available to them or can operate in their lives. I also encounter brothers and sisters who fulfill their callings dutifully but for whom the restored gospel has not yet become a living and transforming reality in their lives. We come to know the Lord as we not only believe in Him but also believe Him and His assurances."

I love you all! The gospel and the Atonement apply to each of you individually on a personal level!

-Elder Poon

Sharpen the Ax January 9, 2017

Greetings! 

After a few weeks of battling sickness, I have returned to full health and am back in action. It's an interesting dilemma being sick on a mission. On one hand you don't want to waste any time and be as effective as possible and just be a normal missionary. On the other hand, in order to be as effective as possible one needs to be as healthy as possible and so that may include resting in order to recover as quickly as possible. Health really is critical in missionary work. 

Being here in Peng Hu is an absolute blast. Being in a 4-man apartment is so fun. The 4 of us here have gotten very tight over the last month. Last week we all bought Beyblades and made our own arena to battle at night lol. The members here are few, but those that are active are incredible members. As a district, we have been working really hard to help establish a better vision for member missionary work. 

As far as Elder Fear and I's work together as a companionship has gone, we are doing all we can to teach repentance and baptize converts! Our most progressing investigators are a couple who are in college, Coco and Leo. Coco looooooves church. She loves everything about it. Her boyfriend, Leo, is not nearly as interested but he is a super cool guy and is willing to do the things that we invite them both to do. They are going back to Taiwan soon for Winter Break but they have baptismal goals for when they come back to Peng Hu.

I continue to be grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord. I'm grateful that through the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ that I can change. WE CAN CHANGE. We can change our very nature. I realized this past week that I had gotten out of some really good habits that I have developed over the course of my mission. I think it was due to the fact that I was sick and also that sometimes being in this 4-man apartment it's hard to focus. I continue to be reminded of a story from a Liahona:

This is the story of two ax men who held a contest to determine who could cut down more trees in a day. At sunrise the contest commenced. Every hour the smaller man wandered off into the forest for 10 minutes or so. Each time he did this, his opponent smiled and nodded, assured that he was forging ahead. The larger man never left his post, never stopped cutting, never took a break. When the day ended, the larger man was shocked to learn that his opponent, who seemingly wasted so much time, had cut many more trees than he, "How did you do ti when you took so many breaks?" he asked. The winner replied, "Oh I was sharpening my ax."

I think this story can be applied in a lot of different situations. In application to my current situation, I think that 'sharpening the ax' is how one can become a more effective missionary. There are lots of ways to 'sharpen the ax'. We can use our time effectively, we can plan better, we can have more effective studies, eat healthier, etc. There are A LOT of ways. That's why I think the best way to sharpen one's ax is to 1. Be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost and 2. Recognize promptings from the Holy Ghost and act on them.

We are told in the 50th section of Doctrine and Covenants that missionaries are "sent forth to preach the the word of truth by the Comforter, in the spirit of truth" "and if it be by some other way, it is not of God.". We are told in 2 Nephi 32 that "the Holy Ghost...will show unto you all things what ye should do". There are A LOT of ways to 'sharpen the ax', but if we have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, then Heavenly Father will teach us and remind us through the Holy Ghost all the things that we need to do to be the most effective tool in His hands. When we receive promptings, we need to act. This shows Heavenly Father that we are receptive to His guidance and are willing to do what He needs us to do. When this happens, Heavenly Father will give us even more guidance that we will be more able to apply in our lives. 

I invite you to discuss with Heavenly Father about how you can 'sharpen the ax' in your own life. I know that as you do, you'll receive direction from God and will be able to see greater results in whatever thing you want to improve on. 

Well, that's it from the island for this week. Love you all

-Elder Poon

One of the coolest views in all of Peng Hu. 觀音亭

Christmas Dinner with some members.

Went to a cool temple that had some cool trees.

Travelin' the island on P-days

'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints'

Whale Cave

We have a member in our ward named, Xie Ba Ba, who is a renowned physician and used to be a general surgeon. To celebrate his birthday he invited us to a very nice dinner at a hotel here in Peng Hu. These are many of the nurses that have worked alongside Xie Ba Ba.

Transferred to Paradise December 19, 2016

Heavenly Father is too good to me. I've been sent to a truly amazing place. I've loved every second of my time so far here in Magong. It's a small island, but there are still plenty of people to share the gospel with here. The branch out here has about 40 active members, and they have some real faith. It's amazing to see that even on a tiny island off the side of Taiwan, there are still strong saints living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The island is awesome. The climate is impeccable. Sometimes the ocean winds come in pretty strong and it gets down to the 50's. I honestly think this is probably one of the greatest areas in the entire world to serve. Besides the environment, however, the work has also been great here in Magong. My new companion, Elder Fear, and I saw some sweeeet miracles in our first week together. I feel very at peace with my mission right now. Very chill. All is well. All is well.

Quick bio on Elder Fear: He is a goof ball. He has pipes (sang in BYU's Men's Chorus before coming out). He is on his 4th transfer, but is a very mature missionary. He does work.

The Magong apartment is a 4 man. Along with Elder Fear and myself we have Elder Miller who is a giant on the far left and Elder Horton pictured to the right of me.

Let's Baptize December 12, 2016

After 8 months in Zhang Hua, I'm finally being transferred. This last week has been my favorite week of my mission. This last p-day was an adventure going to Tai Ji Valley with the sister missionaries, a few members, and Pony. The rest of the week we were getting ready for Sister Lin's baptism and working with the rest of our investigators. This weekend, I felt, was just a culmination of a lot of good things. Harvest time. On Saturday, a few friends from my first area came to Zhang Hua and ate lunch with us. Then that night was the baptism. It was a very excellent baptismal service. It was very easy to feel the spirit in the room. The sister missionaries helped us out with a rendition of "我是神的孩子"/"I am a Child of God". It was one of the best musical numbers I've been a part of. Then Saturday night at about 10 pm we got a call saying that I'm being transferred to my dream area.... Magong! Magong is a city situated on a small island called Penghu which is situated off the side of Taiwan. I'm going from a tiny island to a much tinier island! I head up to the mission home and then I take a 20 min. plane ride later today. Magong is also the most coveted area in the mission because it's absolutely beautiful out there and nobody is in your business. You just do you out in Magong! I'm super excited and grateful that I have this opportunity to go out there. That being said, I'm also sad to say goodbye to all of the friends and members here in Zhang Hua. The ward members here are indeed my Taiwanese family. When I think of Taiwan in the future I feel like most of my thoughts will be centered on the people here in Zhang Hua. I'm grateful for all the service that they have given me, for their testimonies, and for their friendship. Going to church yesterday was a very bittersweet experience, but I'm glad that I at least had the chance to say goodbye! This past transfer has definitely been one of my favorite transfers. It was definitely the most stress-free. I've loved hanging out and serving with Elder Stroud. It's been fun to just go out and get it every day. We've seen a lot of success this past transfer, and I know it's because we have done our best to receive direction from the Lord. With 5 months left this may be the last time I move. Magong, let's go!

-Elder Poon

Look Mom, I'm a panda!

Pony finally did it! He had a goal for Christmas Eve, but he last second decided to just get baptized on the same night as Sister Lin! He had already passed a baptismal interview, but he would've had to do another one to be baptized on the 24th because they expire after 2 months. So it all worked out great! Pony aka Brother Wang is now an official member of the church!

Sister Lin Shu Yu is the most golden investigator I have found/taught on my mission. She comes from a family of 8 children like my mom. She's not married but she loves taking care of her siblings' kids. She has indeed been prepared by the Lord. She has given up drinking coffee and has committed to endure to the end! Quote from her testimony at her baptism, "I love Heavenly Father. I love Jesus Christ.". She's great.

Apa Kabar December 5, 2016

We had the kind of week that you would expect after a week where you find 15 new investigators. We got to teach a lot of lessons! 林姐妹 (Sister Lin) passed her baptismal interview yesterday and is very excited for this upcoming Saturday when she will be baptized. We also have a few baptismal goals for Christmas Eve/Christmas which will make for a pretty legendary Christmas. Sad thing is I might not be here for those.... Transfers are next week. This is the first time in a few transfers when I can honestly say that I will be sad if I leave Zhang Hua.  Many of the members of our ward were at the church on Saturday night putting up Christmas decorations and it made me realize that I can't think of a place that I'd rather be this upcoming Christmas! Whatever happens it'll all be good. My Christmas spirit is unconquerable! The 'Light the World' initiative put out by the church this Christmas is awesome. For those of you who haven't checked it out yet... go check it out! Our mission has taken it and added some of it's own missionary related ideas and it makes for a very Christ-centered Christmas spirit which is how it should be. Because we've had so many lessons this past week I've been thinking about how I can do better at introducing the Atonement to someone who doesn't even really know who Jesus is. It's pretty hard! That being said, I like what it says in the Bible Dictionary, "The purpose of the Atonement is to correct or overcome the consequences of sin" "Jesus Christ, as the only begotten son of God and the only sinless person to live on this earth, was the only one capable of making an atonement for mankind". Studying for my investigators and working to be able to teach simply has really helped me to personally better understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Well today one of our members is taking us out to go see some cool stuff in a place called Nantou. I'm still not exactly sure what we are going to do, but it'll be a good time! 

In front of the Zhang Hua Train Station there is a concrete island where all of the minorities congregate on the weekend. Vietnamese, Filipino, and Indonesian people are everywhere. We came across this rowdy group of Indonesians and I asked if I could play their guitar. After jamming out for a little bit we were all best friends! Apa Kabar! (Indonesian for "how are you")

Merry Christmas from Zhang Hua

MIRACLE WEEK November 28, 2016

I am grateful that this last week was as awesome as it was. "MIRACLE WEEK", as Elder Stroud and I have officially named it. There is much to be grateful for here in Zhang Hua. Heavenly Father allowed us to see some really amazing things this past week. I believe that the spirit of Thanksgiving really allowed Elder Stroud and I to have our eyes open to how much the Lord's hand is in the work here and in our personal lives. This week was a prime example of a fulfillment of the promise in Preach My Gospel about prepared people which says, "He will lead you to them, or He will lead them to you" (PMG Ch.9). It has been truly amazing to see how Heavenly Father has led us to those who are ready to receive the restored gospel, and also led them to us.We were blessed this week to be able to find 15 new investigators. That's right, 15!

I'll share with you some of my favorite highlights from our miraculous week:
-After our plans fell through one night, we set out to go visit the house of a member who has a non-member daughter-in-law. On the way there, we felt a prompting to turn around and visit a certain house we had passed. A family of 6 (parents and 4 children) warmly invited us in. This warm and friendly family was very energetic and loud as we were getting to know them, but we asked if we could offer a prayer before we begin sharing about our beliefs and they accepted. The spirt filled the room and this family became very reverant as we began to share about the Restoration. We have an appointment to return this Friday night to share more.

-The lady we found in FenYuan a few weeks ago, Sister Lin, is perhaps the most golden investigator I've found on my mission. She has met with us several times/week and come to church every Sunday since we found her in the Fen Yuan 7-11. She is praying, reading, and repenting daily. She has drank coffee every day for almost 40 years, but today marks day 5 of no coffee. She is excited for baptism on Dec. 10th.

-Saturday night when we were about to go eat dinner, a man that we had never met before walked into the church and asked for a church tour and then afterwards asked us if we could teach him how to pray.

I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has answered my prayers to be able to find and teach families. We currently have more families in our teaching pool than I've ever had before on my mission. I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving for boosting my attidude of gratitude. I've learned that gratitude really is the antidote for pride, self-pity, and sorrow. As I strive to better express my gratitude towards Heavenly Father and my Savior my thoughts are turned to President Monson's words in a Liahona I read recently, “Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.”

I'm grateful for all of you reading this letter and invite you to continue showing gratitude for Heavenly Father and our Savior. I know that as you do so the Lord will let you see MIRACLES!

-Elder Poon

Thanksgiving Hot Pot

P-Day in Taizhong. Hanging out with my boy since day 1. He's running the mission now #AP

Found a secret basketball court underneath the free way

Post-Thanksgiving activity. We were in charge of telling how Thanksgiving came to be. 

Thanksgiving lunch with the district at Pizza Rock.

Fun-Yuan November 14, 2016

This week Elder Stroud and I took a journey to a mystical land far away...... Fen Yuan. It is a secondary area that Elder Stroud and I have responsibility over. Although I've been serving in Zhang Hua for a long time, I've only been to Fen Yuan twice previous to this week. It's an hour bike ride uphill and Fen Yuan is a pretty small town so my previous companions and I have never really felt the need to go up there. This past Tuesday we had a blank schedule all afternoon and so Elder Stroud and I decided to ride our bikes up to FenYuan. This turned out to be one of my favorite days in a long time. It was nice to get out of the city of Zhang Hua and ride along the rice fields again (throwback to my days in Minxiong). That wasn't the best part though. Everyone in Fen Yuan that day seemed to be happy and very willing to talk to us. We were able to share a message with many people and set up times to meet with several people. A lady who we had met that day came to church yesterday. Her name is Sister Lin. She is a 40 year old single lady who has a lot of great questions. After her first experience of church yesterday, she told us that she plans on coming back every  Sunday Gold!!! Although I've been coming over a cold all week, Elder Stroud and I have been able to go out and hit the streets each day and see miracles. 

This week as I have pondered how I can continue to improve as a missionary and as a disciple of Christ, my thoughts have been drawn to a quote by President Hinckley in Preach My Gospel ch. 4, "“If it invites to do good, it is of God. If it inviteth to do evil, it is of the devil. … And if you are doing the right thing and if you are living the right way, you will know in your heart what the Spirit is saying to you.". I have made an added effort to just do good whenever I'm invited to do good in order to be able to better understand what the spirit is saying to me, and I'm grateful for the Lord's continued guidance in my life through the power of the spirit.

In other news, this week I hit my 18 month mark on mission and 7 month mark in Zhang Hua! I'm trying to think of some way to celebrate. Maybe I'll just go buy a ton of fruit....

Hot pot Buffet!

Free hair cuts from an LA :)