Tracting - feat. Angry Aussies, Born-Agains and not enough Zhongguoren

Hello everyone! It's been a long week. I know many of you must be going through withdrawals after not hearing from me for nine days. Rest assured, all is well. We had an early P Day last week before Zone Conference, and a late P Day this week because yesterday was ANZAC Day. But we're back on schedule and excited about everything happening in our area. 

A little bit of Australian culture for all of my Americans back home: ANZAC Day is a national holiday down here. It stands for Australian & New Zealand Army Corps, and it's a day of remembrance for all those serving and have previously served in the armed forces....and that's pretty much all I know about it. We found out yesterday that there is also a significant Footy game that happens every year on ANZAC Day. We did not know this before hand. We'd knock a door, and there'd be a rush of footsteps before the door would swing open and an annoyed looking Australian would be standing there. We'd introduce ourselves. And they'd say, and I quote: "But the Footy game is on." And them slam the door. You'd think we'd figure that out eventually and find something better to do with our time - no, not really. Missionaries are wildly persistent. So we kept knocking. Not much success, but hey. So it goes. One guy told us that "Footy is my religion. You're disrespecting my faith" before slamming his door. How I love this country. 

This whole week we seemed to meet a lot of people from all over. As the Subject suggests, we met a handful of Christians who were very convinced that we were not Christian and wanted to go to great lengths to prove to us so. It's a little sad, and a little frustrating, but what can you do? You leave your testimony of the Book of Mormon and move on to the next one. Our work is not one of convincing others, nor is it one that's going to be accepted by everyone. We seek out those whose seek change in their lives and offer it through the gospel of Jesus Christ, as restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. We trust that the Lord is preparing those whose hearts are ready and trust that the people we meet before then will prepare us on our way. 

The area is great. I miss the city, but dang, having 8-10 lessons a week is a great thing. We have four baptismal dates, the newest chose and accepted his as of yesterday. Jess and Bowen and Ted and Cui are all progressing. It's really, really exciting. I hope to watch each of their testimonies continue to grow. 

On the subject of baptisms, I had a very special experience this week. One of the responsibilities of a district leader is to interview investigators before they're baptised. Last week, the Waverley sisters asked me to interview Michael for his baptism this weekend. In Chinese. I was terrified. I gave one of our APs a call to see if he had any suggestions on righteously judging his situation. This particular Elder told me he had "full confidence in me" and that he knew I'd "do the right thing" and hung up on me. It wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but I guess it did the trick because it brought me to my knees. I spent an awful lot of hours in prayer this last week. When the hour of the interview came, I sat down across from Michael and asked him to give us a prayer to start. The feeling that filled that room was undeniable. I knew what the Lord would have me do. Sometimes, Heavenly Father expects us to take a few steps forward with faith. But as we prepare and do all we can, the Lord gives us the increase. I received that increase this week and it was such a tremendous blessing. How grateful I am to be part of this work. 

And while we're still talking baptisms, we had a dinner appointment earlier this week. We were a little curious as to how it would go, as we noticed this family had signed up to feed both my companionship and the English elders in the ward. The address they sent us was a chapel - we showed up for a dinner appointment and ended up at a baptism. So, we attended and congratulated the new member, a bright eight-year-old named Christian. It was a big Polynesian family, so they stuffed us full afterwards and sent us home with enough food to feed the whole mission.

Great fun. 

I wish I could share every story and every feeling that comes with being a missionary. It is such an incredible experience to be part of this work. It isn't easy. Not for a moment. And sometimes you have a little clearer vision of what you're doing here than other times. But one thing is for sure: God himself stands at the head of this church. Our ways are not His ways. His vision is not our vision. He will lead us and guide us home, and it is though His Only Begotten that any of this is possible. I love my Savior and will continue to serve Him by loving the people of Melbourne Australia. The Standard of Truth has been on my mind a lot this week. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it goes like this: 

The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing;

persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, 

till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.
May it continue to go forth. 

Have a wonderful week! I miss you all, and I'm so glad to hear about all of the accomplishments back home. Weddings and mission calls and performances...Will hit a triple a few days ago. So good. I send my love. 

Jiayou!

Elder Blackhurst

My mother ran the Boston Marathon this week

I really had no better title for this week. And besides, my mother rocks. Thought you all should know. 

Hey everyone! Another fun week out in Glen Waverley. Elder Bibb and Elder Wang and I are working hard, and we're having a lot of sucess. Lots of investigators and lots of lessons, which is really exciting. I'm very happy with the progress of our area and I look forward to spending more time here. 

New area means lots of new names to learn. Between the investigators and members and less-actives and ward leaders...my head is swimming. I made a bet with Elder Bibb to see who can know more names. As long as I don't mix up any of these people, things should be alright. I may have mentioned this before, but something that the Asian people do when they come to a place like Australia is choose their own English name. This makes things worlds easier for those of us trying to get to know people. However, you'll often find that they pick really weird names. Sure, you've got the regular Mitchell and John and Audrey and Anthony and Grace. But then you bump into Heathcliff. And King Arthur. And Kitty. I met a Fish and an Ogre not too long ago. Elder Liu back in Heidelberg gave himself the middle name of Ninja. I'm trying to convince Elder Wang to adopt "Elvis" as his own before he goes home. As of recently, no such luck. I'll keep working on him. 

Being District Leader is still a new experience for me. I haven't quite figured out how to bridge the gap between my three Goldens and my three veterans, but one thing for sure is that our meetings are a lot of fun. I can't speak the language but heaven knows I do my best. I'm surrounded by a lot of good missionaries and I'm very grateful for them. 

We've got several solid investigators we're working with right now. Bowen and Rita and Jess and Cui are all close to baptism. Keep them in your prayers.  

Dinner appointments last week were quite the adventure. They ranged from chef-prepared gourmet all the way down to downright awful. Lots of love to the Australian couple who invited us over on Sunday night; we appreciated the spirit in their home, and they truly are an amazing old couple, but they can't cook. We managed to get dinner down, which honestly wasn't too bad - but then came dessert: an herb-based jelly with some sort of nut paste on top. Elder Bibb and Elder Wang politely declined, but Wang told them I'd love some. I thought it was coming back up after every bite, but I got it down. Anyway, we had a lovely discussion with them afterwards on the importance of sustaining the prophet and the role we have in the Savior's kingdom. Their insights reflected the wisdom of their age and their faith was inspiring. I still miss the branch, but having such a solid ward is a blessing. 

The mission field teaches us patience, that's for sure. Sometimes we're put in a place where others need us, and sometimes we're put in a place where we need them. The Lord is teaching me right now through some of the experiences I'm having. I look forward to seeing what the Lord has for me to do as I continue to go through this missionary experience. I love serving. I love the Lord and His gospel. I pray that He will continue to bless me and you as we do His will. 

Have a lovely week! Congrats to my dear cousin on his mission call - the Lord has great things planned for you, Jarom. I hope you're excited. 

Jiayou!

Elder Blackhurst

I'm getting fat

We survived our first week in Waverly! What a blessed week it was, with conference and all sorts of new experiences after transfers. How grateful I am to have this new opportunity to serve in a new area and meet new people.

One of the primary differences between the city and the Waverly area is the fact that Waverly has a full ward, part english, part Chinese. It's a great thing, to have a ward that can take care of all of its needs (nothing against my beloved city branch). It also means that we get fed. All the time. I've been in the area for a week and I've already been taken out for food five or six times. I'll have more feeds this transfer than my first five transfers combined. With that, however, comes the inevitable weight that comes with free food. Many of you have very kindly commented on the fact that I seem to be a little larger in my photographs now than when I left. I'm afraid that will continue to happen. As always, keep us in your prayers. 

District meeting was the most stressful it has been since arriving. I had to leave and I thought I was going to fall apart. But it was fine, they didn't notice. I love my little district. Three of them are goldens - Elder Bibb, Sister Chen, and our brand new Sister Knight - and three are veterans - Elder Wang, Sister Zhang and Sister Tian. It was a lively, spirit-filled meeting and I am grateful to be surrounded by them. The trio companionship is definitely a new change. Elder Wang and Elder Bibb are a lot of fun and I look forward to working with them for the rest of the transfer. 

Chinese is improving. Or, at least, I go to district meeting with two other Americans who just got here and I feel better because I understand more than they do.

New area means new investigators, and I'm so excited about that. We have several people on date and I hope all turns out well for them. Rita will be baptized in two weeks, I can't wait. 

General conference was incredible. I hope you're all checking and rechecking your notes, what an incredible meeting that was. Ministering better captures the essence of Christianity - we serve to serve and bless, not just check boxes. I look forward to hearing all of your stories of seeking out the One and being an influence for good in their lives. Elder Bednar's talk...wow. We all have a long way to improve, but the path to godliness isn't an easy one. Wasn't meant to be. But it is the best way.

Have a lovely week! I miss you all, but I'm glad to be right where I am. I look forward to my many coming adventures out in the east!

Elder Blackhurst​​

I don't think we're in Heidelberg anymore, Toto

A happy PDay to you all! It's been a crazy week. Transfers and Easter and missionaries leaving and going...my head is still spinning. I'll do my best to get my thoughts out today.

First, of course, is Transfers. I'm no longer in the city - I've been transferred out east to Glen Waverly where I will serve as the Chinese District leader with six other missionaries, four Chinese and two new Americans. I'm in a trio companionship with Elder Wang and Elder Bibb. Wang is a quiet, dedicated missionary from Shandong. This is his last transfer, which makes two kills for me in 6 transfers. Not bad. This is Elder Bibb's second transfer, which also means my second chance to train to 6 transfers. Also not bad. He's from Louisiana, 5 foot 4, and might break 120 pounds dripping wet. It's an exciting time with lots of change and I'm just doing my best to get a grip on everything. 

Moving to Waverly means that, yes, I had to leave our Branch behind. It was a rough last few days, not going to lie. Sisters Cahoon and Johnson had their farewell FHE last Monday, and everyone was preparing to send them off. It hit me, seeing them give their goodbyes, just how many of the people around me weren't going to be there when I get back. I wasn't just saying goodbye to Cahoon and Johnson - this was the last time I'd see Chen and Hadlock and Madsen and Fong and Ren Rong and who knows who else. Missionaries and members alike don't stay long in our branch...by the time I get transferred again into the city, it's going to have changed. And that's a scary thing...all these people I've come to love, just to say goodbye like that isn't fun. But then again, that's truly the message of the gospel. We're here to help people take the steps it takes to be sealed together forever. All of us. Member to member, family to family. I might not see any of those members before I go home. But it's alright - I know we'll meet again. 

On the subject of conference - No, I haven't seen it yet. When I do, then I'll start talking about it. 

As far as last week, it was a good last few days of work with Elder Liu, my Taiwanese golden. It was a joy training him, and I really will miss him a lot. But unlike the rest of the missionaries, I'll bump into him again before I go home, no doubt. 

I'll have more stories to share next week, no doubt. For now, I'm just trying to get a grip on things. This week will definitely be full of adventures and I look forward to this new transfer. Keep us in your prayers, you're constantly in ours. I love you all and look forward to hearing from all of you soon!

Elder Blackhurst