We don't spend enough time talking about the good work our missionaries are doing here in the Korea Seoul South Mission. We've had some amazing people be baptized and make those critical covenants that opens the gate to the path the Lord would have them follow back to him. One young lady was baptized several weeks ago. She immediately started talking to her friends about the joy she has found. She introduced two friends who were baptized this weekend. The gal in the front holding the reddish book is the friend who introduced these ladies.
We attended another baptism today. I asked for some information about how he came to know about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here's a brief summary of his story:
He
found us! His uncle suggested he should go on mormon.org and request meeting
with missionaries, we soon got a referral from Salt Lake and met him a few days
later. We started off doing the family
english program but he had so much gospel interest and potential we just began
teaching the gospel. We all became great
friends! The word of wisdom was his most challenging obstacle but through
making a plan and trying agaim and again he completely quit everything! Miracle! He read the Book of Mormon weekly and we were
even quickly introduced to his family.
They are taking the lessons now.
There were many fellowshippers and he attended church every week from
the start of april until he was just baptized! His family always tells us how
much he has changed and we've also seen his countenance
change, he is much happier now we're sure of it!
There are so many great things happening with our young missionaries. As much as they are teaching, what they are learning is amazing.
We took two zones each over three days. We combined training with skits, discussions, object lessons, climbing and sight seeing. From these pictures you can get a sense for all we accomplished. The hardest thing for them was hiking with a rock in their backpack or in their arms. The guideline was to get a rock roughly the size of their two feet together. Some went larger, some when smaller, but all in all they really had a great day. We hope you get a peek at your loved one.
We started with a skit about the history. They made up their own and they were interesting indeed!
The Assistants then trained them on language studies. They focused on the difference between ability and effort. In Korean the words are very similar. The winner took the Princess's hand.
The missionaries participated well in the training.
The zone and sister training leaders trained on obedience with interesting skits and scriptures.
This shoulder devil was especially interesting!
There are several nice overlooks from the mountain that were posts to watch any approaching enemy. These were great for pictures. Unfortunately, we didn't get good pictures of all the zones from these places.
We took lots of pictures at one of the five or so Buddhist temples in this large park. We got two good days, but the monk in charge was uncomfortable with us so the third day we didn't get a group pictures by zone here. We did it at another location.
Here's a panoramic shot of the entire area. Plus some detail of the painting of the buildings.
At temples you'll often see small stacks of stones that represent prayers. They use excess roof tiles to make walls or fences.
We then hiked to the lone surviving military outpost of the original five from this fortress. These date back several hundred years. Some history, followed by some shenanigans and random pictures.
Below are the two zones who couldn't get their picture at the Buddhist temple.
Here's some background on this building.
Near this location we also had the missionaries leaving in June share some last thoughts and testimonies. Unfortunately, we didn't get pictures of all of them, but we tried.
We didn't get the fellow on the left below making his final presentation, but we still isolated him.
The next big deal was Sister Turner's conversation about building a firm foundation. The missionaries carried large rocks. Last year they were roughly the size of your two fists side by side, and represented something we wanted to get rid of, or give away that was holding us back. This year they were to be the size of your two feet side by side. There are some big feet, but they didn't complain. Even those with little feet overdid. You can get a sense from what it looked like from last year versus the new pile this year.
Beginning:
After three more days:
The missionaries held up their rocks to recognize what they had done for nearly five hours that day, setting their packs down only when they were trained or were jumping around. Two sisters actually brought watermelons to share.
After talking about foundations and commitments, we had a moment after they placed their rocks for them to put their name tag on the pile. It was a pretty powerful moment. This has become a sacred place for our missionaries. We are all part of each others foundation. Each person helping and encouraging those around them.
One elder, considering this the opportunity to give up a weakness, actually wrote on his rock.
There were so many in one group, we couldn't get the tags on one side, so we video taped it. Sorry if it went to fast. maybe you can pause and find your loved one's tag.
We then wandered down a long section of wall to a quiet sacred grove-like location to discuss personal revelation. We reviewed talks by Elder Richard G. Scott from 200 and 2012. Ask your missionary about this experience.
Along the way we had a few interesting experiences. We had a small friend want to join us. we were able to carefully avoid his path.
As there is in any outdoor setting, there is always that nasty poison ivy or oak. Gratefully, there's not as much here as most wooded areas.
One sister wanted to try what is called Beondegi. Here is some background:
Beondegi
Here's her reaction as she tasted this amazing treat... The highlight was her comment that it doesn't taste worse than it smells... Everyone thinks they need to try it once. As a missionary 40 years ago I tried one and my reaction was, "if I want that experience again, I'll crawl under the car and chew the grease and grit off the axle!" I doubt she'll be all over that one again...
Here are some random video clips of missionaries on the hike. Enjoy! They are a little slow coming through at times.
The missionaries in the Seoul West Stake (Incheon and Gangseo Zones) performed a number of music numbers on Saturday evening for the stake. It was pretty amazing. You'll have to go to Facebook to see the actual performances. However, here are a few pictures.
Well, this is a long one. We hope you can find something useful for you and your family here. This week will be lots of interviews so there will be pictures of nearly every missionary. We hope you talk to them about their adventures. Thank you for sharing your wonderful, elect, chosen sons and daughters with us and the people of Korea. They are indeed Awesome!! Warmest, kindest regards and love, Roger and Terri.
