Sept 18, 1990
Today’s reading: 3 Nephi 27:30 Patriarchal Blessing, mission call
Verse 30: Christ’s joy is full because the people of the generation of the disciples that were alive at the time of Christ’s visit to the American Continent will all be saved. (Moses 1:39- work and glory of God) Christ rejoiceth in every single soul that is saved. This is the same joy that I will feel in this life as a missionary who brings someone unto Christ through baptism. It is also the same joy that we will feel as parents who raise our children up in the faith of Christ.
Verse 31: In this verse Christ simply points out that He did not mean that the wicked who were destroyed before His coming would be saved. Only those who were converted through His ministry on the American Continent and the ministry of His disciples.
Verse 32: Christ sorrows for the fourth generation because many of them will be lost. They turned their hearts away from Christ and to the things of this world. This is also the same sorrow that Christ feel for those who turn their hearts from Him in this day. When Christ says He will turn their works upon their own heads, He simply means we will all earn the rewards of our own works. If out works are evil, our rewards will also be evil.
Verse 33; Christ has set forth His gospel. There are few that follow it, but many that follow the easy path unto destruction. This is how it will be until the end of the world, but when the end comes, no one will be able to change teams- for in the night, no man worketh. We must strive always to enter in a the strait gate. no man knows when the night comes, so we have to be prepared always to be in the right place.
Oh boy, today was certainly an eventful day! After we taught a discussion today, Elder Jasperson totally blew up. He had pretty much let me teach the discussion, and it had gone very well. The man even shared a spiritual experience he had had a few nights ago. That is the first time I have ever heard a Hmong man share a personal spiritual experience. Anyway, Elder Jasperson told me I had taught about prophets wrong because I shouldn’t have explained that Adam talked wit God. It didn’t surprise me he was upset, (He’s been a jerk for the last 3 or 4 days), so I just king of blew it off. Every time he said something, I just threw it back in his face, which made him more and more angry. I think he learned who hot to argue with today. I probably shouldn’t have said some of the things I did, but I really didn’t feel like getting chewed our for no reason today. I was kind of glad I won that argument. I wasn’t too sure before who would win an all out argument. That’s one of the reason I had avoided one. Elder Jasperson apologized about 30 minutes later and so did I. Since then he has treated me a lot differently. I think I earned a lot of respect. I doubt he’ll start an argument again. We’re friends now and on team ups tonight I taught 2 discussions that went really well.
I’ve got so much to learn about the gospel and the Hmong language. The Lord is helping me so much. My language skills have about quadrupled this week. The Lord is truely giving me the language I feel very comfortable with the people. I love being a missionary.
Sept 19, 1990
Today’s Reading: 3 Nephi 12:1-
Verse 1 : Christ had just chosen His twelve disciples and had given them the priesthood. we are blessed if we heed the words of the Lord’s servants. The church leaders have been chosen by God and they serve us by helping us to understand the gospel. Christ had given His disciples both the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods. They had the authority to teach, baptize, and give the Holy Ghost. Christ said we will be blessed if we will heed the leaders teachings, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. In order to receive the Holy Ghost, we must be obedient to the commandments. When we are confirmed, we are told to receive the Holy Ghost, we are not given the Holy Ghost. In order to receive Him, we must keep the commandments. I used to think that I only needed to receive the Holy Ghost once, but I need to receive the Holy Ghost constantly, every day of my life. If I do, He will help me to endure to the end.
Verse 2: Those who hear the words of Christ’s servants are more blessed for believing than those who actually have seen Christ. (John 20:29) It takes far greater faith to believe in Christ, having not seen Him, than to believe in Him after He has appeared to you. I think that the reason Christ does not appear to each of us when we pray to know the truth is so we can be blessed even more for believing in Him even though we have not seen Him. In order to truly repent and be forgiven, we must be humble. We must realize that we are nothing without God and without Christ. If we are humble, baptized, confirmed and we endure to the end, we will be preserve through Christ at the Last day.
There is so much to learn about the gospel, I don’t think I’ll ever know everything I should.
Today actually went pretty well. It was really a slow day, but that’s okay every now and then. We taught a few discussions and they went very well. Tonight was choir practice and mutual night. Choir practice went lots better than usual. There were about 20 people there. Can you imagine my comp and I trying to lead choir practice?! IT really didn’t sound that good, but we’re getting there.
Mutual went really well. They had a lot of the youth there, and they watch a video of their last Hmong Youth Conference. They are having another one in Merced on Saturday. Hopefully we can get permission to go. Elder Jasperson says that if we go, we can get a lot of referrals, I hope so. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
At our one discussion today, we were teaching at Da Her’s house. He is the second councelor in the branch presidency. Anyway, about half way through the discussions, his wife came out with her hands in her shirt. I figured she was just adjusting herself, (Hmong women always do that) The next thing I know, she takes her shirt off and is standing there in her bra! I am used to that from the nonmembers, but good grief! Oh well, all in a days work I guess.
Sept 20, 1990
Today’s reading: 3 Nephi 12:3-
Verse 3: Someone who is poor in spirit is someone who does not have a testimony of the gospel. If someone does not have a testimony, but they struggle to gain one and they are converted, they will be saved in the Celestial Kingdom.
Verse 4: Those who mourn the loss of a loved one, shall be comforted in the knowledge of the gospel. Actually, those who mourn for any reason shall be comforted by understanding the gospel. We can all be reunited with our loved ones, and material things are completely insignificant when compared to the Kingdom of God. The gospel will comfort all those who mourn.
Verse 5: The meek shall inherit the earth because through the meek shall the Lord proclaim His gospel unto the ends of the earth. the Lord will fight on the side of the eek. Meek means submissiveness to God. It does not mean being submissive to the will of men or peer pressure. Meek means being submissive to the will of God, doing all that you can to keep the commandments.
Verse 6: Those who truely seek for the Spirit and desire to do whatever might be required to receive it, shall receive the Spirit. I have really learned a lot about this process on my mission. When I pray for the Spirit and earnestly strive for it, I will have it. It requires constant effort though. When I let up just a little, I lose the Spirit.
Today was really a fun day. I was on splits all day with Elder Watson. We spent most of the day working with the Cambodians. It’s kind of nice every now and then to just be able to sit back and enjoy the Spirit that is present at discussions. I think it is neat that I am able to feel the Spirit even though I really don’t understand much of the language.
We also went to the apartment complex on Jackson Street. It was really nice to talk to Ntsuab’s family. Ntsuab is doing so well that I can’t believe it. Actually, if I hadn’t given her a blessing, I wouldn’t have believed it. The Priesthood works. The little girl is recovering very quickly. I am really glad to see her recovering. Her Dad asked me, in Hmong, to explain to him why it was that after they did a spinal tap to Ntsuab she couldn’t be picked up for a few days. It took about 5 repetitions before I understood him, but that’s not exactly the kind of thing that they teach in the MTC. The gift of tongues is so real. I absolutely love being in the service of the Lord. I realized today that I must be in that service for the rest of my life. This is only the beginning.
I got a letter from Jeremy Doyle and one from Rob Wennstedt today. It was good to here from both of them. It sounds like things with Jeremy”s family are really coming together well.
Sept 21, 1990
Today’s reading:3 Nephi 12:7-
Verse 7: We are told repeatedly in the scriptures that God will judge us the same way that we judge others (Matt 5:25) How can we expect to receive mercy if we are not mericiful? How can we expect to receive forgiveness if we don’t forgive others? We can’t. We must treat others the way we want God to treat us, especially those whom we have a position of authority over ( see Matt 18:23-35)
Verse 8: Only pure things can be with God. Only pure beings can see God and live. In order to be pure, we must have no unrighteous drives or desires. We must have no condescending thoughts towards others. We must love everyone. We must trust others. In other words, we must be pure in heart. If we are pure in heart, and we have fully repented, we have every right to see God. This opportunity is given to us through the atonement of Christ.
Verse 9: Any contentions originate with Satan (3 Nephi 11:29) Therefore, anyone who has the spirit of contention is not of the Lord, but is of Satan. Anyone who does not act to settle a conflict that he is in a position to settle is also of Satan. Those who act to settle conflicts and find peace are those who can be considered children of God because they have acted in a way to please God. They have followed god, not Satan. They are therefore called the children of God.
Verse 10: I love it when I get to ride my bike and people yell at us and swear at us. I am being persecuted for Christ’s sake. I love it when I am persecuted for my beliefs, whether as a missionary or as a member of the church. When this happens, I am earning myself a spot in the kingdom of God. All those persecution are nothing compared to what many have received, but the reward will be the same Exaltation.
Today was really a wasted day. We spent the afternoon getting me a California driver’s liscense and getting Ntxws Vaj (Ntsuab’s Dad) his permit. They have part of the test that they show a flash card with a sign on it and the person has to explain what the sign means. The problem is that there isn’t anyone who works there who understands hmong. Anyway, we went and translated for him. I only had to take the written test i order to get my license. I only missed one! Not too bad for not knowing all of Califronia’s technicalities.
Tonight we went to a thing with some Hmong people to hear some people sing. It was alright I guess, but since it was American Country music, the hmongs didn’t really like it that much and either did I.
We have been without a car all day because ours wouldn’t start. Elder Jasperson is kind of a baby about having to ride bikes, but I really like it. It gives me a chance to do some exercise as well as do the Lord’s work. I also think the people realize a lot more that you really want to see them.
8/10——— COOPER Sept 22,1990
Verse 11: This verse is a lot like verse ten. Whenever, we are persecuted by others because we are Latter-day Saints, we should rejoice. This persecution, although it may seem difficult to bare, provides us with the opportunity to earn blessings. I really feel that this is a key thing for us to teach our children. If children realize the blessings that can be obtained through withstanding peer pressure, they will be far less likely to give in. It is very important to me that our children are able to do what is right. I hope the Lord will help us as we raise them. What a huge responsibility. The only way to approach raising children is to constantly seek the guidance of the principle.
Verse 12: We will have great joy if we do not give in to peer pressure and do not deny our faith. We are persecuted just like the prophets of old. Granted, we usually do not receive as much persecution, but the rewards are the same. The kingdom of God should always be our goal. If we remember this, we will not fall, and we will have everlasting joy.
Verse 13: This goal, exhaltation, and our striving to reach it, is what makes us the salt of the earth. This is what causes us to seek the Spirit, this is what causes us to honor our priesthood. If we lose this desire, the desire for exaltation, we will quit living righteously and we will no longer be progressing. We will cease to be God’s people and we will be protected no longer. We must maintain that vision always. If we keep that vision always. If we keep that vision before us, we will maintain our savor, and we will not fall.
Sept 23, 1990
Yesterday was just one of those days, I didn’t feel very good at all, I had (have) a sore throat and a headache all day long. That could have something to do with the fact that My eating habits have been really poor lately. The mission president has asked us to try to get by on $350 a month so that’s what I‘ve been doing, but it makes for not very much food at all. I guess I shouldn’t complain. I;m surviving. I have a lot more that most of the families we’re teaching.
A far as the missionary work in Fresno goes, I am really kind of frustrated. I wish I could teach better. I wish I could really ne the missionary that the Lord wants me to be. I am really trying to keep the mission rules and learn all of the lessons that the Lord had in store for me. I’m really trying to keep my spirits up, but it had really nee hard. I;ve decided to just try to make it through until transfers. I’m not really sure how else to approach my situation right now.
It rained today! First time in my mission. It didn’t rain much, but it was kind of a nice change.
Sept 23, 1990
Today’s reading: 3 Nephi 12:14-
Verse 14: We the Latter- day Saints, must stand up for what we believe. We must be Christ’s people. We must be His standard to the world. We must live in a way to make the world notice that we are Christ’s people. we must be ambitious, hard working, virtuous, and successful people. The world will know that we have the Lord’s Spirit was.
Verse 15: Christ wants us to live in a way that is exemplary in every way. He then wants us to be help up to the world.
Verse 14: We must be a city on a hill. That means as a Church, as a ward, as a family, especially as a family, we must live in an exemplary way in order fulfill the commandment of Christ.
Verse 15: When we have the Spirit, our candle is lit. Also, the priesthood helps that candle to burn. In our families we must share our light. When one person is down, or his light is burning a little dim, the rest of us can have the Spirit with us and help him through his difficulty. It is our job as family members, and especially as parent, to give lift to our house. We must bring the spirit into our home and let OUR family taste of the joy of the company of the Holy Spirit... This is what will instill in our children the strong desire to do right, to seek eternal salvation If we truly do this, our children will be able to be in the world but not of the world, We as parents must give light into our household, this is another key to bother missionary work and parenthood. We must have the Spirit, and we must make an effort to share that Spirit. In that way, our homes will be a refuge from the world.
Today went pretty well, but we certainly didn’t do much at all. We went to church, which was kind of nice today. A Hmong couple got married today, so about half of the branch was at the wedding instead of at church. Da Her, the second counselor in the Branch Presidency really told everyone staight that it was not good to go to parties instead of church. The problem is that the ones that needed to hear that weren’t at church, they were at the party!
Tonight we were on splits with the zone leaders. Elder Le and I went with Elder Duffy and Elder Falcone to teach a new member lesson to a woman they baptized recently. It was really fun to be able to discuss temple work in English. I also found how much the spirit will guide me as far as what to say as well as what not to say. There were a number of times that I thought would be appropriate and timely to tell about special feelings or experiences that I have had in connection with temple work, but the Spirit strictly forbade me, I want so badly to get to the point that the Spirit guides my every word. That no matter what I’m saying or talking about, the Spirit will guide me. That would be absolutely great! What better way could there be than to have the Spirit guide your every action and word? What a wonderful way to raise a family!
Sept 24, 1990
Today’s Reading: 3 Nephi 12:16- always pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost before endeavoring to study even the seemingly simplest of scriptures.
Verse 16: We must be the kind of people, families, wards, stakes, and church that will stand as a light unto the world. however, we are not the light. Christ is the light, our light. By doing good works in Christ’s name, not our name, people will be brought to a knowledge of the gospel and realize the infinite goodness of God. The way they will glorify God is by taking the necessary steps to gain eternal life (Moses 1:39)
Verse 17: Christ wanted to make certain that the people did not think that since He had come, the prophets words were void. The people still needed to study the scriptures. by studying the scriptures, they would realize that Christ’s coming was only in fulfillment of the prophets’ words. All prophets on the earth have prophesied of Christ. The prophet today still speaks of Christ. It is every bit as important to listen to the prophet today as it is to read the words of prophets in past times. Christ did not come to start a new set of commandments, only to complete the ones the people had. He did not come to destroy the words of the prophets, only to fulfill the words they had spoken. Christ simply completed the law of Moses, He did not take it away and start over. The law of Moses was based on the gospel of Christ. Part of the gospel of Christ was in the law of Moses, but not all of it. Christ “finished putting the puzzle together”
Sept 24, Mon
Well, today has been another P-day. We went to “Ntsuab’s” house this morning. Her father had called us to tell us that she was sick. It turned out that her grandfather had come over and done a bunch of Spirit worship for her. We told the father that Heavenly Father wouldn’t bless her if they worshipped Spirits and all of that stuff. Anyway, we gave her another blessing and had her parents take her to the hospital. I really hope that our children are healthy and free from serious afflictions.
Then we went and ran a bunch of errands, like buying stamps, going to the grocery store, getting the video tape player our of our car which is still in the shop, and finding a box for Elder Jasperson to ship some stuff home in. While we were at the place where our car was getting fixed, we met a deaf man who was a member of the church. He seemed to be able to read lips very well. He also could speak some, but he was difficult to understand. He was very ‘proud” to be a Mormon. It is really neat to meet people like that who are not afraid to share their religious beliefs even though their ability to communicate is very limited.
I spent the afternoon writing letters and making a tape for Kristin. For some reason, I was really homesick today. I’m not too sure why. I feel better now, but earlier I was really feeling all alone and a long way from the people that love me. I guess P-days just give me too much time too think.
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