Happy Mother's Day!

Hello and happy Mother's day!

It was great to hear from everyone! Voices sounded pretty great for the most part! (The only weird thing about voices is the clarity and my hearing)

Well kind of already talked, but there are some things I realized I didn't have time to share some moments from this week! For example most of our contacting is out on the street so we meet lots of people. In Taipei there are lots and lots of people so sometimes running to people more than once is rare. However, the taiwanese believe in Destiny or Fate however you would like to call it. So if you run into people more than once fate is taking its place. So we ran in to a Mr. Huang a view times and we set a time to meet and share the gospel with him this week. He has us come to his "house/dormitory". He lives in what we would consider to be an apartment that is split off into a bunch on smaller room boxes. Inside of each box (I am assuming) is room for a bed, maybe a desk and that's it. No other room so maybe 7 feet wide and 10 feet long. So like I said really little. Well We go sit down and he starts telling us how he is trying to get in correspondence with the president of Taiwan to help prove this story he has and to re-establish his natural state. He claims he is Obama's father. He said he used to speak English and have blonde here, but when he came here his body and mind went through a change. He forgot English and everything and because of it, Obama won't accept him as his father so he needs the president of Taiwan to help him find his real self. But that doesn't even start the crazy part of this guy. He also claimed that our world is a product of two other worlds colliding together to form this world and we in a way knwo about the old worlds. They are in way here on this earth as well. Its similar to one of holigraphics that as you turn it turns into another picture. For example you see a tiger and when you tilt the picture you see something new or new tigers, etc. Well Apparently on one of those worlds he was old Jesus Christ. Elder Montalto confirmed it by showing him a picture of christ and asking if it was him. He said yes that was him. He said he was crucified but never died. Also that there would be a new Jesus Christ who would come to save us. Being a little blown a way we said we said a prayer with him and wished him a great day. Its weird though, as you look in his eyes he doesn't really look crazy. Maybe just a little empty. I don't know.

Well this week Xiao yun xiang is getting baptized! He passed his baptismal interview and in church he had spiritual experiences that answered some questions he had! So the Lord does answer prayers.

Chen ba came to church! ha Handsome old man. Real stud. Came in a shirt and tie. Looked good and loved feeling of church. It was great to have his daughter there pushing him along. I'll try to get a picture with him this week so you can see what a great guy he is. Loves to eat has formed a nice big round belly but a funny very loving man. Very smart and capable of many things. Usually we go to his house to meet. He has done very well with his business ventures. Now we just need to keep him moving along in his spiritual journey!

Well this week we spent 4 hours in a police station trying to figure out Elder Montalto's stolen bike. Killed a lot of proselyting time unfortunately. The police stations here are really relaxed. I guess I really never visited them in America but here its so whatever. Almost could go there to hang out. But They were good and really passionate about finding his bike but unfortunately all the results were in vain as nothing pulled up.

Well lots of Love!

Elder Townsend!

Hola!

Hello!

This week is great! Lots of great things, in fact in was pretty short because we had temple day on Wednesday so I don't have a whole lot to share but here are a few things! Also I know you are curious about what the area I live in is like. I will do my best to explain it...

Current area is Neihu District. It is considered part of the taibei city. It is a really expensive area so we have lots of wealthy accomplished people walking around, however that doesn't included everyone. Taipei has a really cool MRT system that runs throughout it. Makes things really convenient. In our area we have about 6 stops or so and those sometimes will feed people out that we try to filter through in contacting. Lately we have been tracting and has brought some success and some future success. In the past tracting usually includes running into a bunch of old grandmas and grandpas who love their incenses. (Bai bai worshipping) so its been a little bit difficult but lately it has been going well. Getting in contact with a couple of families and hopefully we can get them to grasp the gospel's iron rod! In Taipei and a lot of cities because it is a city they will put parks in everywhere so they can go exercise. They have some little weird exercise gagets and a little greenery and stuff. Some are just beautiful. My area is more of the residental part of the city, so during the daytime hours its a little hard to find because people are out at different districts or cities working. So we contact a lot of people from different places because they are here for business.

The people in Taiwan are work aholics. It is ridiculous how much they work sometimes. In their thought process, one of the greatest reasons we are here is to get a good job and to work. Eat, sleep, work. Eat, sleep, work. It is really taxing and they get 60 or so retire. When they retire they go fishing everyday or go drink all the time. They all desire the same life as their neighbor. They really don't like change. It eats a lot of taiwanese up this process, but they don't any other way that could bring them money or anything so they stick with it. The ones who realize this process and want to get out of it are the ones that we try to find. They at least think that religion will be good. Can direct their lives, give it a spiritual support/crutch. However, when they start using the principles they start seeing changes. At that point it is up to them to accept or reject what we are sharing.

I love this place, I love sweating profusely because of the humidity, the nasty smell and taste of the air as you are trying not to get hit by a bus, car or scooter or even a taxi. Buses and taxis are the worst.

I love this people. Sometimes it gets hard, but when I can remember why I love them its a lot easier. Sometimes its frustrating to always get "politely" rejected, but I am grateful that they don't just stop, start screaming, and have a panic attack. (That's usually the Americans. We are way too dramatic)

People!

Old man qiu lian de set a baptismal date! It was a huge miracle! Its been about a month or so since we have started meeting with him and this last time, he set it and in his prayer, it was beautiful. He expressed the feelings of his heart and it really felt like he had progressed so much!

Next xiao yun xiang! So close he gets baptized in two weeks! Right now we are finishing up a last few things, but he is solid. Knows the Book of Mormon is true and the bishop peiked the other day and when he was there he had an amazing experience for trying to keep the sabbath day holy and he shared it with lil xiao! brother Xiao was absolutely blown away by the experience. He was so excited and kept looking down at the scriptures as if the words were coming out speaking to him.

Meet lots of new friends and one of the them came to church! It was great we had three people to church which is huge! Weng yu (howard) came! He is doing well, our current goal is to help his mom start studying the gospel. Its a process but it will happen! Next is his dad!

Well lots of love and always keep pushing! Even when you are sick of it, feel like desire or faith or whatever is gone keep going because God will reward the perseverant!

Elder Townsend

Hello!

Time flies. I honestly don't know where it goes. This is such swirl. Well I just hope and pray that it is going the way the Lord wants it go.

This week see saw some pretty cool miracles. For example thursday. A couple of days earlier I met bruce lai on the street and set him up at the church. He came and he brought a friend. They both were willing to be baptized. They both had a christian background, but not the most devout background. They both sought for some form of change in their lives. That night we also saw lots of miracles. Back to back lessons with great people. Some of them like bro. Zeng just made us laugh the whole entire time. His personality was not the average taiwanese man and he was all over the place. Qiu lian de is hilarious as well. He is a 60 year old man and he is starting to progress a again. Our current goal is to get him to read the Book of Mormon and pray daily. I hope everyday that these people can feel of the spirit and move forward in faith. There are so obstacles. I just want them to feel the love of the Lord. That they do have a place among all of this. Sometimes its hard to display it perfectly in words. Chinese can be a real kick in the behind, but if we can give the message to them in there native tongue how much more likely it is to have meaning and bring the spirit and spirit of understanding.

I wanted to talk about Xiao yun xiang. He is doing great. He has a testimony of the Book of Mormon already. He believes in Joseph Smith restored the church because of the Book of Mormon. He has felt that the Savior is real because of the Book of Mormon and it testifying of Christ. This week we went on a temple tour with him in the heart of taipei. He has opened up a lot and is doing great. He is committed to baptism on 19th. So we will continue to push and work together with him for that date. There are lots of members that are so supportive of him.

This week meet some cool people and prepared people all around. For example Taiwan has this stuff called binlang, betel nut, a really nasty chew like tobacco. I had the thought that I needed to give one of guys sitting behind the stand a tract. He took it and he said he was Christian and would like to learn more about Christ and how to change his life. Also talked to a German who was so pumped and excited to meet us. We talked and we had a desire to learn more but we have to ask the other missionaries to share with him the Gospel. Probably one of the most special events for me was helping Mr. Zhou out. He was sitting in a wheel chair outside and he did not look good. He had scars and scabs covering his body. Legs were badly deformed and had a catheter attached. After a while he said that he needed to leave. I asked him if I could do anything to help and he asked me to carry him up to his house. He lived on the fourth floor of the apartments. I more than willingly accept his offer. As he got onto my back I realized how light he was. I was imagining him to be heavier and as I moved up the stairs he felt lighter and lighter. I know God truly cares for him. He has had some "rough" spots to say the least but I know we were supposed to be there to touch his life at that time. However big or small the impact was.  

Today we are off to the temple. 

Lots of love

Hello!

Hello!!!

The Lord loves these people here in Neihu. The Spirit is looming waiting over them waiting to enter there hearts and bring blessings of heaven down upon them.

We found many new exciting people and our current investigators are doing really well as well.

I would like to start talking about howard Weng yu. He his great. He met the missionaries 7 years ago and he hasn't gotten baptized. His little sister has though. As we were meeting with him the spirit was strong. Guiding the questions and opening his heart to speak freely. As he opened up and spoke the scriptures did as well. He shared with us how his father really opposes him getting baptized because he is the next male to pass along the family tradition. In the course of all this he shared how he wants to get baptized, how he knows the Book of Mormon is true because God has answered his prayer, and also how him and his dad relationship is horrible. I helped him apply faith and also I thought about the things I did with my own paps to build and keep our relationship through the years. Also other companions on the mission who I have encouraged to develop their relationship with their father. Elder Montalto and I promised and gave some heartfelt invites that will help him build faith and find a way to be baptized.

Next Li ming hong. He has always been our special one. He is great and we always continue to work with him. He has progressed more than ever. He is spending more and more time in the Book of Mormon. It is showing in his countanence. He is a bit more at peace. He might not notice but it was really evident this last week. 

President Grimley. Had our interviews with president for the last time. It was really sad. He has been amazing representative of christ here. He is the Lord's ordained. I'll miss him when he heads home. I gave him a hug at the end. 

The Lord really does answer prayers. We get a call from the mission office (Bu) and a phillipino sister had called asking if we could bring a book of mormon to her. We went found her and she shared with us her experience. She is endowed, has six kids back in the phillipines and has been in taiwan for three monthes. Her boss hates any form of church and won't let her go. The sister Nanet doesn't have any days off, she is suffering basically. She has been try to find a way to get in contact with the church, but to the point where she didn't have much success. Finally as she found someone who got her the church's number she called the bu, and the bu called us. As we gave her the Book of Mormon she was so happy she just started to cry and cry. Also we helped translate her address so she can start writing her family. She is so excited because she has a son already starting to plan to go on a mission as well. 

Last but not least. Last week I set this guy up and for some reason I forgot to get his phone number weird. I started to pray that the lord would soften his heart and he would remember our appointment a week later. The Lord answered. He showed up five minutes late but he showed up! We had pretty great lesson not the most amazing but a good lesson, he understands our purpose and is wanting to learn more as we never really has even thought of God before so now he wants to see what he is about. 

Lots of blessings and lots things but they are all so happy!

Lots of Love 

Elder Townsend

PS I think Elder Scott in his talk was talking about how important writing letters (hard copies) is in displaying love. Just a hint. 

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! Basically Easter didn't exist her in Taiwan. However, that does not change the fact that our Lord and Redeemer lives again this day. Even though people go by and by unexpecting of the Lord's ultimate sacrifice which He has performed for them and the beautiful gift of repentance and how Christ invites all of us as an expression of love to come unto him and enter the Good Shepherd's arms. I know Christ will stand at the Judgement Bar at our side with his arm around us as pleads with the father in our half. He understands better than I ever will all of my own unworthiness and mistakes but all he wants to do is plead for me to come back to him and be perfected in him. He lives.

That is my little Easter share. For Easter we had general conference because in Taiwan they broadcast a week later. It was fantastic. I learned lots and felt a load as well. If you didn't learn any thing or thought it was boring go back again, pray for the Lord to answer the questions you have in life.

Well this week we went to the zoo! I saw a living panda. He was pretty great. I think the greatest part was being able to spend time with other missionaries and be able to laugh and have a good time with them. Elder Peterson and I were a little bit I don't know how to say it well other than chinese but ren4zhen1 (translates serious but also has diligent, active meaning) where we were learning all the chinese names for the animals. We are set that knowing what a southern cassowary is is of great importance to our chinese vocabulary (nan2 fang1 shi2 huo3 ji1=south place food turkey) Its pretty great.

Anyways this week we meet some pretty great souls and watched a few as they progressed in the Gospel. For example Elder Montalto bumped into Bro. Wang. This man is craving and looking for the fulness of the gospel. He was sharing experiences with us how God has been preparing him in his life and how he hasn't found the satisfication of finding the truth in where ever he goes. He said he was willing to do all things that we invite him to do. He also feels that God still speaks to man and that there is more of God's word there. 

Also bro xiao. Is soo good. He is meeting new friends and put really immersing himself in the word of God. He is really good and he talked to me a little about the struggles at home. I know this message provide those things. Well again I am out of time but lots of love!
Elder Townsend 

Some things will never change...boys will be boys!

A few more pictures...

Yes...Buster is the goofball hanging off the stage

I added a member from Taiwan on Buster's facebook and lucky for me I got to see more pictures of my missionary!

Hello da jia!

Hello!

How is everyone out on the other side of the world? I don't know how people are like over there. I met a New Yorker (he was awesome and he is really a New Yorker from Queens) and was reminded that its a bit different over there. Everyone's a bit more conservative over here. They might be a bit more special in some other areas, but I love the Taiwanese brothers and sisters!

Lots happened this last week. Quick review of pictures, some of them are from danshui. It was beautiful and the ice cream wasn't too bad, really cheap and fun. The other is peng qi wen's baptism service. She didn't know a lot of the members so the sisters asked that I might perform the baptism. I was very grateful and humbled. She is a very unique person. Next week we general conference. (They first have to clean up all the translations)

This week I went on exchanges with Elder Peterson. He is the champion. Harvard Student and one of my homies on the mission. We had some of the greatest times together. We just spent the time finding and doing more finding. We met lots of people and had many great experiences. The first one I want to talk about it is when we met Mr. Guo. I saw him on the street and started talking to him. He had some paralysis on his left side and come to find out it was due to an accident 10 years before. For some reason I felt like talking to him about his family. Find out he has a son, but he hasn't seen him in 10 years and doesn't want too. More than that he hates his whole entire family. He hates Taiwan in general. He tells me how his father is addicted gambler and how ten years ago when he got in a car wreck and was living in the hospital, his father and mother sold his (Mr. Guo) house, his car, all of his possessions and used to go gamble. IT was was pretty heart aching to hear this. What also hurt was when he said he used to be christian but in his most trialing time and till this day that Lord has never answered, heard or helped him. He felt abandoned. So now he believes his only friend is money, its a object and won't attack him and hurt him like family. Elder Peterson and I were hurting pretty bad inside and we both open up to the same scripture in 2 Ne 2.2. We told him we cared and trying to fight back tears at the same time. I am praying when we goes to meet the missionaries in his area that they can express the love that he needs so desparately. 

On a lighter not that same day we ran into a russian woman and we were trying to share the gospel with her. I think due to a little language barrier and the noisiness of the street I was telling her we all have weaknesses in life and make mistakes (And was going to say how the savior can help us overcome them and improve, repent and find happiness) when she interupted me and said that I didn't have any weaknesses. I was a little caught off and she followed that by saying that I looked pretty good to her! So I learned right there why I wasn't sent to Russia. 

The Lord really has provided so many miracles this last week and I unfortunately am out of time, but last I just want to say the Lord remembers all his children and he sents us out to find every single one of them despite where they are. 

ELder TOwnsend