Hong Kong: GETTING REFERRALS

September 25, 2016

Family,

This week we had a great lesson with Tang JM. We couldn't find a member to help us teach her, so we called up another one of our Investigators, Li JM, to help us. We explained a little before what we wanted her to share and what we might ask her during the lesson. During the lesson, we invited her to share her testimony on repentance. It was an amazing testimony. The spirit was so strong. Afterwords she asked us, 'Was that ok?' 'Yes, Li JM, that was perfect. Better than what we would have shared.' She testified of things we couldn't have. Things that Tang JM could relate to, like being a mother and example for her children among other things. It really helped Tang JM learn.

Li JM left for mainland last week, doesn't get back till Sunday. I will be praying real hard that Mainland doesn't eat her and spit her back like it has done with too many people. Right now, she is still doing great.

We dropped a few of the people we are teaching this week. They weren't keeping commitments and showing a sincere desire to learn. We just want to make sure we are using the Lord's time the very best and efficiently that we can. It was kind of hard though, because we didn't have very many people to teach before we dropped them and now have very few. We are trusting in President Lam's words, "Sometimes if a door doesn't close, another door can't open."

I was in personal study a few days ago and was reading the Book of Mormon when a quote by Elder Maxwell popped into my head, "Those, for instance, who stretch themselves in service, thou laced with limiting diseases, are often the healthiest among us." I pushed it off and kept reading. Then I was reminded of what I had just read in PMG earlier that week, 'Occasionally [the Spirit] will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed." Then I realized I need to change what I was doing and direct my study on those I am teaching. As soon as I made the decision to follow the prompting, I felt the Spirit wash over me.

Pretty cool referral challenge story. Every Tuesday, we have a Conference Call with President Lam to report on the Zone. After the closing prayer before we hung up last Tuesday, he gave us an invitation. 'Ask 100% everybody you have a conversation with for referrals.' He said if we would do this, we would see miracles happen. He asked us to text him every night how many referrals we received that day. Fast forward to that Tuesday night at one of the wards correlation meeting. The Ward Mission Leader gave us 5 names to go visit and contact from the Ward List. Then another Hong Kong missionary randomly called us and gave us 3 numbers from people they have previously met that spoke Mandarin. Also, we were able to get in contact with a referral we had received a few weeks ago and haven't been able to talk to. He is looking for a church here in Hong Kong.

Last thought. Something I learned last week as I was saying my nightly prayers is that perspective calms us. It really does.

Have a good week!

Elder Josh Stratford