The Elders asked me and my companion to meet with the wife of a couple they had been teaching for the last couple months. The wife is super sweet and hilarious, and came from the Philippines. Over the last couple years she's been working really hard to find God and after marrying her husband this year, they decided to search for a religion together. We've met with his wife a few times, and have felt the loving and powerful promptings of the Spirit during our discussions. Two weeks ago during one of our meetings we invited her to be baptized--something she's been hesitant to really commit to. She has such a wonderful heart and strong desire to follow God's will for her, but wasn't sure exactly what he wanted her to do. She's been praying for some weeks now about what religion she should align herself with (she has been previously studying for about a year with at least one other religious group). On Friday, after a lesson about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith where we answered many of her questions, doubts, and bore strong testimony, she told us she knows that it is all true! Still a bit apprehensive to commit fully to baptism without having recognized the reassurance of God, we had her agree to set a baptism date with the full confidence that before the time God would make it clear to her what He wants her to do. It was an awesome moment... by far the highlight of the week, if not transfer! Seeing the change in her disposition after we left that appointment--the joy, the light, and hope--really touched my heart. I love being a missionary in Korea!
This week I continued on my re-studying of the Book of Mormon. First off, I know this book is brought forth by the hands of the Lord. It testifies of Christ in such a powerful way, it leaves no room for doubt in my heart. This book is so precious to me, mostly because through reading it I feel myself come closer to Christ and to God than any other book. Second, I've come to know that God, in all His infinite wisdom and mercy, loves each of His children dearly. This morning as I reread the words of King Benjamin, I came upon another of my favorite scriptures--Mosiah 4:9-- which says, "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth no comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." As we come to understand more about God , we can believe and trust Him as a source to rely upon during our lives. Like the first part of faith: belief. The very next scripture testifies to the importance of exercising that faith "... and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them." It's not enough to just believe in God, and that He's all wise, loves us, and will guide us--we must ACT on that belief. This point has been emphasized and re-emphasized to me over and over in my life not only pre-mission, but especially since becoming a missionary. I know that as we continue to move forward in our lives, sincerely seeking His guidance along the way, all will be well. He will direct us.
Anywho, I hope ya'll are doing well. Love ya dearly and look forward to meeting again. (That time will be here before I know it... CRAZY!)
Love always,
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매
This week I continued on my re-studying of the Book of Mormon. First off, I know this book is brought forth by the hands of the Lord. It testifies of Christ in such a powerful way, it leaves no room for doubt in my heart. This book is so precious to me, mostly because through reading it I feel myself come closer to Christ and to God than any other book. Second, I've come to know that God, in all His infinite wisdom and mercy, loves each of His children dearly. This morning as I reread the words of King Benjamin, I came upon another of my favorite scriptures--Mosiah 4:9-- which says, "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth no comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." As we come to understand more about God , we can believe and trust Him as a source to rely upon during our lives. Like the first part of faith: belief. The very next scripture testifies to the importance of exercising that faith "... and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them." It's not enough to just believe in God, and that He's all wise, loves us, and will guide us--we must ACT on that belief. This point has been emphasized and re-emphasized to me over and over in my life not only pre-mission, but especially since becoming a missionary. I know that as we continue to move forward in our lives, sincerely seeking His guidance along the way, all will be well. He will direct us.
Anywho, I hope ya'll are doing well. Love ya dearly and look forward to meeting again. (That time will be here before I know it... CRAZY!)
Love always,
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매