7 days and counting...week 31

It is literally 168 hours from the time that I am writing this email before our investigator brother Ng enters into the waters of baptism. It's been amazing to see him progress at such an exponential rate. He's up to reading three chapters of the book of mormon and praying every day (he definitely struggled with that because he thought praying was only for people who had emotional swings like girls. I say that in a direct quote of him, I promise;). We just finished teaching him the law of tithing and fasting, where he said that he would be joining the fast the ward is doing right now for the missionary work to increase. This fasting activity has been really successful and such a unifying experience for the missionaries and the ward. Sacrifice truly does bring forth the blessings of Heaven.

I also got to go on exchanges with Elder Walker on thursday and had the chance to teach a man named Mr. Cheui. He was baptized when he was twelve and then disappeared for thirty or so years. He came back with his brain majorly addled by alcohol, smoking, and many hard family experiences. He has difficulty communicating, so you simply cannot go to teach him without having a member with you. He is really such a nice man though, and no matter what his mom says about him being a hopeless cause, he's been progressing. He used to be 3 packs of cigarettes and who knows how many beers a day. Now, he's changing his life in order to again come into the fold of God. Even with the damage done to his body, his soul's strong yearning for nourishment is even more powerful. It's truly inspiring. The member that is working with him for the majority is also an Angel provided for this struggling man. He's very patient, positive, and probably the only one persuasive enough to convince Brother Cheui to set and achieve goals. This was a team that I'm positive was made in heaven. This member is doing so much for him, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen the charity shown.

One other investigator is struggling to realize that only God can provide undiluted and unpolluted truth by the power of his spirit. He has progressed a lot, but he is hitting this wall of requiring evidence before believing. I realize more and more that it will simply take time for him to have this realization. Heavenly Father simply wants us to not impede him in any way by showing forth frustration or impatience, which I cannot say I have controlled very much with him. We always find our own weaknesses when we look at others though. Being to skeptical. Being to slow to believe, or to slow to try. Experiments rarely have any negative consequences though. There are dangers in some things, but you can also rely on the experience of someone you trust or that you have seen. Above all, the safest and surest pathways in this life are prophets, revelation, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

A scripture that is becoming more and more prominent to me is Alma 7:23. I really love thinking about family and friends in my life who have been submissive, meek, gentle, penitent unto the One True God.

Please remain faithful, but do it for no other sake than for God. Don't even do it for yourself, for we should love God before anyone or anything else. Become consecrated. Sanctified. You will be endowed with power from on High. I know this. I have experienced it. It is my testimony of the Grace, might and majesty of He who atoned for the sins, pains, afflictions and sorrows of the world. May we seek Him. May we follow Him. This is my prayer, as well as for the safety of you all, in the name of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, Amen.

Apparently swords were actually purchased. Elder Powell didn't get one so he's using his finding pen.

I was on exchanges with Elder walker on Thursday. We were doing an hour or so of street finding when we came across this place in the middle of Nowhere.

 Notes from Mom's email(s).  The washer is fixed now. There was a foot missing that we had to get replaced, which explains why it was SO loud. The shirt is from the Tai Wai ward (That's all it says. the English is on the back.) I'll have to send you a picture next week of the front and back view. I feel so weird wearing it though because it's a XXXL in Hong Kong Sizing. The bishop just kept getting more and more surprised as I had to come back and tell him that the one he gave me was too small. Ian is referring to the purple shirt in this picture:  

And a bonus pic from Elder Powell's mom off Facebook!  At this point I want to thank Sheriece Farr, Julie Walker, and Missy Merrell for augmenting the pictures.  Together we get it done.  Ian is in the back with Elder Powell, Elder Walker, and Elder Chen.  Elder Merrell is taking the picture!