Hey all, I have a bit longer to write today!! Also, there's been snow for the last week~and so freezing~ Reminds me so much of Provo, but everyone here wears face masks to keep their faces warm. ^^ The street food and love in our hearts keep me and Sister McQueen going! I love Korea!!
This week the craziness continues! There have been so many incredible experiences--it's amazing! Several times leaving me speechless so many times in realization of God's great love. The greatest experience on Saturday we witnessed a small and simple miracle! Our investigator 안소희s texted us that morning to say that she wasn't feeling well and needed to cancel our appointment to rest. Following a prompting, we asked for her parent's address (she actually lives up near Seoul and visits her parents every weekend), saying that we wanted to stop by and drop something off. As it turns out, she lives in the exact same area as a family from America, with whom we had previously made an appointment to visit that evening. (That in itself was a miracle... They moved there just last month! And previous attempts to visit them failed.) It worked out so perfectly! We were able to meet with her for a short visit and also her parents. She's really been changing this transfer! Nothing short of a miracle... or rather a series of miracles. Her parents were thrilled to meet us, and said we should visit anytime we are in the area. They are the sweetest family! The following day 안소희s came to church for Gospel Principles and Sacrament Meeting in Dunsan! It was the perfect Sunday for her to come, as the messages were all focused on God, Jesus Christ, and faith in Him and His Atonement. She hasn't completely recognized her faith growing within herself, but is committed to consistent scripture study and praying.
This last week I've pondered a lot more about faith--we recently read Alma 32 with another investigator of ours. We discussed the importance of planting the seed of faith, specifically Christ, in our hearts. Just like a tree, we must nourish it daily. As we care for it and it grows, eventually (with much patience, love, and diligence) it becomes a beautiful tree. The reason that seeds fail aren't necessarily because the seed wasn't a good one--it's the fault of the nourisher, or rather lack of nourishment. Like a seed, we must consistently nourish and support our faith! We do this by feasting on the words of God, learning more about His son, praying, and keeping God's commandments. My favorite part of this chapter comes at the end, verses 42 and 43, where it describes the grown tree and the sweet, delicious fruit of which we may partake. This fruit is the opportunity we have through Christ to change, to become better. Just like a real tree though, in order to continuously partake of the fruit the tree itself must be living. Even after maturing, it still requires sunlight, water, and nutrients just as it did as a seed. Throughout our lives, no matter what stage we are in, we must always nourish and strengthen our testimonies and faith in Christ. The sweet fruits that faith brings is truly sweeter above all else. As a missionary I've not only experienced this in my own life as I've sought to change myself for the better, but I've witnessed in others the sweet changes that faith, and the gospel, brings to all others who sincerely desire and seek after it. I love being a missionary! And I love this gospel!
Anywho, I hope my letter wasn't too long. I have so many thoughts and experiences that can be shared... I love you all! Hope you have a splendid week~~
--
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매
This week the craziness continues! There have been so many incredible experiences--it's amazing! Several times leaving me speechless so many times in realization of God's great love. The greatest experience on Saturday we witnessed a small and simple miracle! Our investigator 안소희s texted us that morning to say that she wasn't feeling well and needed to cancel our appointment to rest. Following a prompting, we asked for her parent's address (she actually lives up near Seoul and visits her parents every weekend), saying that we wanted to stop by and drop something off. As it turns out, she lives in the exact same area as a family from America, with whom we had previously made an appointment to visit that evening. (That in itself was a miracle... They moved there just last month! And previous attempts to visit them failed.) It worked out so perfectly! We were able to meet with her for a short visit and also her parents. She's really been changing this transfer! Nothing short of a miracle... or rather a series of miracles. Her parents were thrilled to meet us, and said we should visit anytime we are in the area. They are the sweetest family! The following day 안소희s came to church for Gospel Principles and Sacrament Meeting in Dunsan! It was the perfect Sunday for her to come, as the messages were all focused on God, Jesus Christ, and faith in Him and His Atonement. She hasn't completely recognized her faith growing within herself, but is committed to consistent scripture study and praying.
This last week I've pondered a lot more about faith--we recently read Alma 32 with another investigator of ours. We discussed the importance of planting the seed of faith, specifically Christ, in our hearts. Just like a tree, we must nourish it daily. As we care for it and it grows, eventually (with much patience, love, and diligence) it becomes a beautiful tree. The reason that seeds fail aren't necessarily because the seed wasn't a good one--it's the fault of the nourisher, or rather lack of nourishment. Like a seed, we must consistently nourish and support our faith! We do this by feasting on the words of God, learning more about His son, praying, and keeping God's commandments. My favorite part of this chapter comes at the end, verses 42 and 43, where it describes the grown tree and the sweet, delicious fruit of which we may partake. This fruit is the opportunity we have through Christ to change, to become better. Just like a real tree though, in order to continuously partake of the fruit the tree itself must be living. Even after maturing, it still requires sunlight, water, and nutrients just as it did as a seed. Throughout our lives, no matter what stage we are in, we must always nourish and strengthen our testimonies and faith in Christ. The sweet fruits that faith brings is truly sweeter above all else. As a missionary I've not only experienced this in my own life as I've sought to change myself for the better, but I've witnessed in others the sweet changes that faith, and the gospel, brings to all others who sincerely desire and seek after it. I love being a missionary! And I love this gospel!
Anywho, I hope my letter wasn't too long. I have so many thoughts and experiences that can be shared... I love you all! Hope you have a splendid week~~
--
Sister Marissa Hatch
해치 자매