This morning, he told us he had another great week. He and Elder Liu are working hard, and they continue to enjoy success and contentment in their labors. One of their successes is that Zibo will be baptized on Sunday evening. The baptism had been scheduled for Friday, but has been changed to Sunday to allow him to come to church one more time before he makes the commitment of baptism. He is excited and prepared for his baptism, and Eric is looking forward to it as well.
Eric also reported that 4 of their recent converts have received the priesthood. For those who may not be aware, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no priests or ministers in the traditional sense. Instead, all men in the church have the opportunity to be ordained to the priesthood. This isn't a full-time gig (like missionaries have), but does involve significant service responsibilities. These responsibilities vary depending upon where a person is asked to serve. The fact that these 4 men have been invited to receive the priesthood demonstrates a significant commitment to the Lord, and a willingness to follow his example of service to others. Eric is understandably pleased with this progress.
This week Elders Hansen and Liu were invited to tea at the home of a very nice couple who are members of the church. The man was very excited to show the missionaries his amazing stereo system. He put on some music, turned it up loud, and they dined while listening to Celine Dion and Cher's greatest hits. The whole experience was interesting, but Eric was particularly surprised by the music choices of this 70+ year-old man.
Transfers are coming up again in two weeks, and Eric is again wondering if he will be transferred. He'd like to be transferred to China, but unfortunately the Chinese government does not allow Mormon missionaries to proselyte in their country yet. Perhaps someday soon.
This past week was zone conference. The missionaries learned that at their next zone conference in April, they will be visited and taught by Elder M. Russell Ballard, who is one of the members of the Quorum of 12 Apostles. It is a great and rare honor to sit at the feet of such a great leader in the church. Needless to say, Eric is greatly looking forward to it. At this past zone conference, they were taught by the mission president, a man Eric greatly admires. Eric mentioned that his mission president has a great ability to teach the doctrines of the gospel clearly and in a way that makes it easy to apply it to yourself. Eric came away from the meeting with a greater desire to fulfill his potential. He said:
I have realized that the Lord can help me develop gifts and talents for my good and the good of those around me. The atonement can not only cleanse us from our sins but can help us become like Christ and reach our eternal potential.
No comments:
Post a Comment