Taipei Taiwan

Taipei Taiwan

Monday, December 30, 2013

Christmas Skyping

We sure missed everyone who wasn't on the call! :) He is looking and sounding sooo good. He loves the work!

Xinzhu # 30

It was great being able to get Skype the family at Bear Lake Utah, and I can't believe how fast that time went!! Hahah I look forward to next time on Mothers Day 2014, but that's the last time you'll hear me say that till next Mothers Day. All that I am is the Lords'. He is my Master. This week has been great. Our greatest week as a district thus far. Just like the weeks before, we've just gotten out and worked hard! We've all made goals to follow and use the training that we have received. Our Ward now has a Ward Mission Plan and it will just go to the Bishop to have some fictionalizations :) I have a great feeling that the work here is going to explode!! We can do it!! The Lord wants a new Stake here as fast as He can get it. He helped us and answered our prayers with giving us missionaries a Ward Mission Plan for both of the wards in our district. We look forward to really helping the Less-Actives come back and inviting all to come unto Christ. My companion and I had a wonderful week as we celebrated the Birth of the Savior doing the best thing. Proclaiming His Word. Although we didn't have too many people that wanted to listen to the message that we had. This Christmas has been the greatest one I have ever had. I have come to know Him more now than ever. I'm sorry this week is very short, but I just love you all. You are all so great, and I just want to make it known.... I'm living the life!!!! ;) Love, Elder Westover P.S.- I just want you all to know that I KNOW my parents love me. They sent me a box of brownie mix in my package :):) hahah (Hint.... if you want to tell me that you love me... just send me some brownie mix! It's that easy!! :P) P.P.S.- Love you all!!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Xinzhu # 29

Hello all! I'm not going to have a ton of time today, but I just want to share with you that I love you all, and I am so excited to be with you for eternity :) I know that there is a plan of happiness that our Father has for us, and His Son is at the center of it. The Missionary Christmas is the best. I have noticed that there really has not been much of a change in the season, because as a missionary... our purpose is to always strive to live, love, invite, and give as Him. Haha. I think the best thing I have loved this year is that I have been thinking about what I can give to Him. We as the Children of God have been invited to follow Him and keep his commandments. Because I have not much time I just want to leave you with an invitation. Read Matt. 1-2 thinking about the wonderful gift our Father in Heaven has given us. Then, I want to invite you to read 3 Nephi 27 13-22, and as you read this I would like to invite you to ask yourself... 1.) What gift has Christ given to us, and 2.) This next year, what gift are you going to give to Him. I know that as you will do this, you will feel of the love that our Father has for you. He wants you to return to back to His presence, and I know that as you whole heartedly and sincerely seek this, you will be inspired by the Spirit and He will help you know what you can do. XinZhu is an awesome place, and I love it here. We are working with 3 baptismal date investigators, and my zone leader and I found a family that really needs the gospel last week on exchanges :) So Good :) The work moves along :) Merry Chrismas!! He Lives!!! Love, Elder Westover

Sunday, December 15, 2013

in addition...

This Saturday we had the opportunity to hear from Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Allen F. Packer as he shared with us of the Spirit of Elijah and Missionary Work. I learned that the Spirit of Elijah is not another spirit, but it is a manifestation of the Holy Ghost, and as that manifestation takes place, the hearts of men are softened, and opened to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was so strong in that meeting, as we took some time to talk about our ancestors, and share a story. It has never occurred to me that it's as simple as sharing a story to feel that Spirit. We are striving to help those that we serve receive the manifestations of that Spirit, and I would love it to hear some of your stories of your loved ones. Just remember that Family History is not about trees and charts, it's about the hearts!! :) At this training we got to do a roleplay, and I shared Grandpa Adams' Wilber Story. I would really love to hear some stories from you all! Please take some time to share your stories of our ancestors with me. If you could send them to me on email or in the mail I would love it! :) I want to be able to share stories with the people here, but I didn't take the opportunity to do so when I was home. :) I love you all!! Unfortunately, this Christmas, unless you are going to be with Mom and Dad, I will not be able to Skype with you all. I am trying to be as obedient as I can to obtain the blessings of the Lord, so just know that I love you. You're all amazing, and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. Remember Him.

Xinzhu # 28

Hello!! :) Hey I just want to tell you all how much I love you. I am so predictable. I'm sorry, but I just always have to tell you that I love you!! You're all so great!! This week was so great! I met and shared the Restored Gospel with a German, felt the Spirit of Elijah, a lesson with 8 members present and develop a greater love for the people of Taiwan every second :). Hahah, yes, we met a German (Philip- 18) on the road, and taught him in a 7-Eleven. It was a great experience to share with him. He hasn't accepted it yet, but I know that he has felt the Spirit. We invited him to be baptized on the first lesson, just like we missionaries do, and even though he didn't accept it, I know that he felt the Spirit. He has been thinking a lot about it, and we have been encouraging him to pray about it, to pray to his Heavenly Father. This Saturday we had the opportunity to hear from Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Allen F. Packer as he shared with us of the Spirit of Elijah and Missionary Work. I learned that the Spirit of Elijah is not another spirit, but it is a manifestation of the Holy Ghost, and as that manifestation takes place, the hearts of men are softened, and opened to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was so strong in that meeting, as we took some time to talk about our ancestors, and share a story. It has never occurred to me that it's as simple as sharing a story to feel that Spirit. We are striving to help those that we serve receive the manifestations of that Spirit, and I would love it to hear some of your stories of your loved ones. Just remember that Family History is not about trees and charts, it's about the hearts!! :) We had two really special lessons this week :) the first one was our investigator, Ye Dx, including the Word of Wisdom, faith, the Holy Ghost, and out Peike invited him to come to church. He said he wouldn't be able to come because his family was in town for a family reunion, but he would come to church next week. Hahah. But right during the opening hymn he walked in and sat down with the brother who helped us peike!!!! :) It was so good to see him come and listen and feel the Spirit. :) This week I learned a lot from the Savior in the Sermon on the Mount chapters... and I feel like the greatest thing is that I feel a greater desire and need to live the gospel more in my life. In my companionship the Lord and my companion have helped me see that this week and helped me see where my pride and lack of humility is. I know that the Savior really can show us where our weaknesses are, and help us make them strengths, but we must humble ourselves and come unto him as a little child. Submissively, meekly and humbly seeking him, asking him... He will change us :) I am so happy to be here, and I am so grateful for the gift of Charity. The True full love of Christ is so incredible. My Savior loves me, and That is why I am here. Love, Elder Westover

Monday, December 9, 2013

Xinzhu # 27

I love it here :) All of the missionaries are doing a great job! Our Sisters had 2 baptisms!!! We as a district are spending a lot of time out finding, and contacting referrals. I feel like that the best part that we are doing as a district is that we are going out with a desire to help these people hear the marvelous message that we have, and we want to work. Trying to look at everyone we meet as our brother or sister who needs the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. This week I had the opportunity to go to Xiangshan with Elder Niedfelt. It was a great exchange and we both learned a lot. We found a potential family! Great week :) We're going to work on getting all of these people we meet on the street becoming New Investigators. This week has been good! I love being a missionary here in Xinzhu :) The Xinzhu Zone did a special fast for all of the investigators we have, and to get them to come to church. My companion and I made a goal to teach all of our RCLAs and Investigators of the importance of attending church. We did that, and saw a wonderful miracle. Zhou Dx (13), he is preparing to test this week, and he told us that his parents wouldn't let him come to church. We invited him to continue to keep the Sabbath Day and ask his parents if he could just come to Sacrament meeting and show his faithfulness, that the Lord would bless him to test well. He committed to asking his parents. We followed up, and his parents said no, but it was the most incredible thing!! We were calling investigators right before Sacrament Meeting, when I saw this boy walk through the door!! Oh my goodness!!! You have no Idea how wonderful it was!! It was like a movie. Haha I won't kid you. I was calling the very last investigator, and there were none who had showed up. I looked over to the door, and I just see this silhouette of Zhou Dx from the glare of the sun off of the cars, and it was real!! haha. We were blessed to have one other investigator (Liao Dx) to answer the phone earlier (we woke him up) who was really not sure if he would come :) He definitely has potential! I knew at that time what true faith was... No matter the out come everything will work out. Faithfully Hope, and Hopefully Love. That's what praying for the gift of Charity brings. Loving the people and desiring their salvation is the most important thing. I'm so grateful. I have started to read the Four Gospels, studying the way that the Savior teaches. My place of most needed improvement is in teaching with simplicity. I even have a hard time teaching children. I'm praying for the gift to teach simply, and I am going to do a little 5 minute role play to teach whole lessons as simple as I can for different investigators. My Companion(Elder Huang)'s mom, after 20+ years, is taking the missionary lessons :) Her name is: hong zi ying. She has been keeping all the commitments the missionaries give her, and went to church this last week!! Pray that she'll receive the confirmation of the Spirit as she continues :) Thank you so much for your prayers and love. :) Love, Elder Westover P.S.- Talk to mom about the Christmas Call

Xinzhu # 26

This week was great!! :) I was so surprised to have a stack of letters when I went to the mission office for my new district leader training. Thanks everyone :) I love you all.... that being said I just want to say again. Due to the lack of our mission office mailing these letters to us weekly, there are too many of these letters to respond to right away... :) For heaven sake, PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING!! but just know that if I don't write you back for like 6 months that I still love you :) This Thanksgiving dinner, I had 2 baozi (steamed buns) and a 50 NT Biandang(Lunchbox)!! I loved it :) two of Taiwan's cheapest foods and it made for a very filling meal! :) This week was great for Xinzhu District! Biggest miracle is that Xiangshan got an updated Ward Mission Plan for the start of next year!! We are still working with the Xinzhu 1st Ward, but we are praying and working hard for it! This last week our focus was on visiting members, and establishing a relationship with them. The week before we had 3 all together as a district, but this week we had 11. The Sisters and us went to visit the Zhu 1st Bishop and his family last night, and I feel like it was very good. I feel like we really established that we would be hard working and that we are here to help them accomplish their purpose as members in missionary work. We are still praying, and working for a Ward Mission Plan, but we know that this is what the Lord wants. Praying for softened hearts and continually for the strength to do the work that is here for us. I just have to say that I am especially excited for Xiangshan, because they are getting to work! We are having exchanges with them tomorrow so I am really excited to go over there and see some miracles. This week has been great! I think the greatest part was that we got to visit with so many members. I actually got to meet with some of the investigators that we have too, and to get to know who I should study for, and what their needs are. our finding has been alright, but I feel like we can do a lot better. Something that we are going to do better is getting lessons in the homes of our investigators, or in the homes of our members. We are having too many lessons at the church and we get "Fanged" (No show). Those are our plans. It's gonna take a lot of work and it's not going to be easy, but we can do it!! It's the way the Lord wants it done, so there will be a way. I would like you all to know that no matter who you are, where you are, or what you have done, the Lord Jesus is Christ. The Savior and Redeemer of the world. Only through Him are we able to lasting happiness. Think of how you can share that happiness with those around you... pray, ask God the Eternal Father how you can do that, and then ACT. I love you. Love, Elder Westover Strength and Honor!!

Tou Fen # 25

Happy Birthday Cossette and Benjamin!! :) I love you two so much and I hope you had and do have a great birthday!! :) Happy Thanksgiving!!! :) This week at our English Class we had a Thanksgiving Party, and Elder Liu helped make a massive paper turkey :) fun time! We spent last Monday making Pumpkin Pie and cookies for the party and it was all a hit!! We played Pin the Gobble on the Turkey and made little Hand paper turkeys with thankful things on the feathers :) Super fun time :) Then on the next morning, we found a great new investigator on our way out to visit a less-active! It'd been 2 1/2 weeks since we had found a new investigator and it was super cool because I just saw him, and I just knew that he would listen. As we started to talk with him he was very cold, but as we just continued to chat with him. Eventually he opened up and we gave him a Book of Mormon, and prayed and he felt great!! He set up for Saturday, but I was already gone... This week was transfers and I got moved to Xinzhu!! haha As I remember correctly, Joseph has served here and I am not sure about Joshua, John, or Treavor, but It's great! I have also been called to serve as the District Leader! Haha, obviously the Lord thinks I need it :) I'm super stoked to serve the people in the Xinzhu 1st Ward, and to serve the other members in my district. I'm praying everyday for the Gift of Charity, and I would love your prayers also for that gift :) That's what I'm expecting the Lord to teach me. Hahah, that as well as humility obviously. He's already started!! Hahah, my companion's name is Elder Huang. He is a native from Tainan. He is a hard worker and I'm excited to work with him :) I haven't had any opportunities to meet too many of our investigators yet, but this week we'll be able to for sure :) I'm thankful for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Plan of Salvation and The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon, and the strength of truth that it has to change people into a disciple of Christ. I'm thankful for Taiwan, and Xinzhu!! I am Thankful for all of you and especially my mom and dad :) I am thankful for LOVE :) Hahah I'll send some pictures next week and I want to tell you all... I love you!! Love, Elder Jordan Westover

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Tou Fen # 24

I woke up this morning and it was freezing!!! I miss having to wear a sweater :) I have a miracle... last week I lost my planner and I went a week without it, but I found it!!! Losing a planner as a missionary, is a very scary, sad, and frustrating thing. I am so blessed :) This week was good. I think I have had many experiences that have been eye-opening for me and I hope that they are able to improve and progress. Our investigators are doing well and just need to strengthen their faith! We met with the Lin Family this week after a week and a half of not meeting with them and... They said they didn't want to come back to church, but that they would rather just read the Book of Mormon, and have us come over and share with them. We just listened as they talked at us for a while and shared their feelings. I am so sad. It is so sad to see that they don't want to come to church because it's too noisy. It's a lack of faith, but we will be meeting with them tonight and keep on preparing them for baptism by the end of this month. Please pray that their hearts will be softened and be able to listen to the Spirit as they read the scriptures and pray. Tang Bebe is doing so good!! He came to the baptism on Saturday, church on Sunday, and committed to quit smoking!! We are going to get him baptized!! He is already a Christian and he is just eating up everything we give him. Everyone in the branch loves him and though his baptismal date is next month I hope we can get him baptized by the 30th :) I hope you all are doing well, and I hope you know I love you. I have a very high chance of moving this transfer, so pray that the Lord will give me strength to be able to do whatever He has in store :) I am in love with this work and I'm gonna go out, plant knew seeds, and reap the harvest of seeds planted earlier. Thank you so much. Love, Elder Westover

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Tou Fen # 23

This week on Exchanges with the Elder Liu (Zone Leader) We had two great miracles! First, we had just finished dinner and were going to the chapel there in Zhunan and I just waved at a guy in a car and it ended up being one of Zhunan's investigators. We had the chance to just follow up with him and his reading, and then said a prayer. He apparently must have been really happy because right after Elder Liu's prayer he just started his own prayer. Oh man it was so heart felt. It was great :) I love being with these people that are just developing their faith and relationship with their Heavenly Father. Second, right before our exchange ended, we went finding right around the train station. Elder Liu just looked around and saw a kid sitting on his motorcycle and eating. This kid had pink and blue hair and surprisingly could really pull it off. He was 18 and going to school for civil services to work with special needs. Turns out he was very willing to listen, and hear the message of Jesus Christ. We shared that Heavenly Father loves it when we serve others and he loves to see us happy. We gave him a Book of Mormon and set up another time to share with him. Such a great miracle. Jiang Dx, our less active brought his wife, who recently moved from Mainland, to church!! Our Gospel principles class was on Family history, and she just ate it up. She has a pretty good understanding of her relationship with God, and is excited to learn more! We gave her a Book of Mormon, and invited her to start reading it. She is super interested in hearing the Plan of Salvation. This week alot of our investigators didn't have time to meet, but other than that, I felt this week was good! We have a whole branch full of specific prayers for us and our investigators on top of all the ones coming from back home and from around the world. I'm praying that the last two weeks will go great for Toufen in the last two weeks of this transfer. I had a great week of studies I think. I had the opportunity to give a training in Zone Conference, and that was a great experience. I loved doing that, and honestly, I feel like it was so beneficial to me. I learned so much. I trained on "Striving to speak with the language of the Spirit" --- Emphasis on exact obedience, and praying for investigators by name. I learned alot and was reminded about the authority and power that we have, and the Lord has given us missionaries more ways to be lifted up by His Spirit to see at a higher plain and be able to do the work that we have been called to do. It all comes down to why we are here. Something else I loved was as I was thinking about what reasons I had for coming out here to serve, I was reminded of the Lehi's Dream. We are all in the mist of darkness. Some of us are looking forward holding fast to the rod, others are being distracted by the bright lights from the Great and Spacious Building and our grip is loosened, and others are completely lost in the darkness because they just went to the closest light that they could find, but in reality, it was just a mirage. As a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have been lifted up to a higher point. I can see a little bit farther and clearer because the Lord has lifted me up in his Spirit. I am able to help His children come back to Him and see a little bit clearer to help them through their mist of darkness. The Savior is the light that can help them go home. To see the big picture, and I am so blessed to have this calling. The Lord trusts me, and I must trust the Lord. I love you all and I hope you have a great week! I am pretty sure I'm going to be transferred in two weeks because I have been here for so long, so I would like to ask you to pray that my companion and I will be able Preach the Gospel by His Spirit and see many miracles :) Love, Elder Westover

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Tou Fen # 22

This week was awesome! Huang Dx (Kaider) actually came!! This is an investigator who had ran into missionaries several times before we met him last week late on Saturday night at the park. He was about 40 minutes late, but he came. He wants to change, and quit smoking .We had a great lesson with him and shared with him about the Word of Wisdom. We set a baptismal date for December 14, and we are going to work our hardest to get him prepared to get in the water and start obtaining the blessings that the Lord has in-store for him! Lin Family didn't get to come to church, but we finally got them into a member's home for dinner and a lesson. It was so good!!! The Guo Family and them are a great match. It was great to see them interact and talk. It was really a great thing for them. In my studies I read a part in Alma 44 that really got to me. As the armies of Moroni had taken advantage of the armies of Zerahemnah and had surrounded them Moroni called a halt to the killing and after testifying of the greatness of God, and the strength that was with them for the righteous cause for which they were fighting, he wanted to work out a righteous exchange. If they would give up their weapons and covenant to never come up to battle against the Nephites, then they would let them go in peace, and they would live. Captain Moroni... one of the most righteous men I can think of in the Book of Mormon, in the name and by the authority of God, and his sincere desire to not shed the blood of his brethren, commanded them that they take up this oath. Even then, after all that, Zerahemnah still uses his agency to decline the offer and go on fighting to the death. We are all disciples of Christ and have a duty to invite others to drop theirs weapons of destruction, and enter into a covenant with the Lord. Come unto him and be perfected in him. It's a wonderful invitation, but sometimes, these people, our brethren, use their agency contrary to the will of the Lord. We must not lose faith, hope, charity, and love. Keep moving forward, and invite again, and again, and again. Sometimes, all it needs is time. That time will be a trial of our faith, but it will ultimately lead to happy endings. That is truth. I love you all. I just want to encourage you to all go out and be a friend to everyone. Talk with everyone. Share with everyone the love, and the great happiness that comes through the Savior Jesus Christ. You will see miracles, and you will have the Lord always with you. Love, Elder Westover

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Tou Fen # 21

This week was awesome!! We had so many miracles... as usual!... Haha it's not like it's any different. I'm only like one in 88,000 of the Lord's chosen, set apart servants, to go out into the World and share the most marvelous message of all eternity!!! :) Yeah I'm pretty happy being a missionary. John Adams Westover. Happy Birthday Bro!! Hey if you get some time to take the hour flight over here while I'm in Taibei today, I would treat you to some Gonggua Niunai :P Man I love that stuff!! I love you and hope you have a wonderful... Goblin Birthday :) This week was great!!! We had several awesome miracles, but I would say that the best part was that we got two member referrals!! It made me so happy. We are seeing the hands of the Lord in our work everyday. Guo Dx, our High Counselor gave us a call and set up a friend. The lesson was held at his house and it was good. It was an awesome miracle because it is so good to see leaders, actually leading out! Guo Dx is so strong and I absolutely love him. He met this man about a month ago at a work engagement and got to talking about how the gospel of Jesus Christ helps us be happy. This man's name is Shen Dx and he definitely is willing to go forth and do what he needs to do to change his life and get around to knowing what eternal happiness can feel like. Shen Dx was very nice and willing to set a baptismal date and fortunate for Miaoli he lives about 200 meters from the chapel there! We got "fang-ed" and were talking with Xi JM our peike (member present in a lesson) (Chinese is so much more simple!!) when she told us of a family that they had invited to come to the Halloween party this weekend. She told us their names and told us the time to go and "Tract" in their area :P It works!!! Always ask for referrals. I now have a testimony of that truth. Consistently reminding members to think about people in their lives will turn out some time. We were waiting to meet with a potential investigator and got there early. We decided to go knock doors, but the only thing was... I needed to use the bathroom. We tried a few houses to see if they would let me use their bathroom, and unfortunately there were no people willing to let a foreign Jidu Jiao missionary into their house to go to the bathroom and the last one just told us to go to the nearest 7-Eleven, which wasn't really that close... so we started to make to walk out of the housing complex and I had to go really bad! But we found a man and his wife who were coming home and started to talk with him. Shared how the Gospel of Jesus Christ could bless him and his family. He invited us in to sit down and talk!! After sharing that we had a meeting with one of his neighbors really soon but that I really needed to use the bathroom. He let us use it, we got his number to set up another time, and were off to our other lesson. Unfortunately the other potential was very argumentative, and was not willing to listen, we found a family willing to listen :) the Lord works in mysterious ways! The Church is true, the book is blue, and I love Taiwan... Sorry time is short. :) Love, Jordan
He labeled this "Picture of the Day" :)

Monday, October 21, 2013

Tou Fen # 20

So just so you don't freak out next week, I'm going to be going to the temple next week so the next time I write will be on next Friday. :) Happy Belated Birthday Grandma Adams!! :) I love you!! This week was good! A lot better than last week. I am so humbled to so say that I am a representative of Jesus Christ. The Asia Area Stake Conference Broadcast was this weekend and in Elder Hales's talk he spoke of the power of His name (3 Nephi 11:10-11). I really want to become a more effective ambassador of the Lord, my Master and King, the Redeemer of the world. The Lin JT is not progressing as much as I wish they would be, but we met with them twice this week. They fed us on our first visit and then on our second visit was a little more serious and good. We completed sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so next week, we get to share the commandments!! They were down south visiting family this weekend so they couldn't come to church. We recently recontacted a former potential who just really needs the gospel in his life. We were at the market handing out English Tracts, and I saw him. We set up with him and he came. He came 20 minutes late, but he came. He has been on Binlang for a while because it gives him the energy to stay awake to provide for his family, but we shared with him about the Word of Wisdom, and about his Heavenly Father, asked him to spit it out right there and never do it again. It's been a week almost and still hasn't eaten it!! I'm so happy. His wife and son come back from Taibei this week so hopefully we can meet with them all! The Lord has blessed us with finding two golden investigators for the missionaries in Jinlong, and in Gaoxiong. They were great contacts and great lessons. We are praying for Huang Dx, and Guo Dx. Team Jesus!! I was reading in Alma 36 this week and as I read, I was reminded... The scriptures are so true!!! Alma shares his conversion step by step through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My testimony has been strengthened and I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple and so clear, and so true. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that those words are the things that will keep us on the straight and narrow path in our eternal progression, and I know that prayer is also an essential factor. I know that through daily study of the Book of Mormon and sincere prayer are the two most essential and basic things that we must do to continue on in Faith. To have strength and power through our Savior to Endure to the End. Specifically in doing the Lord's Work of Salvation. A personal daily study of the scriptures is so essential. I would like to give you all an invitation. One that I extend to people all the time but I'm going to change a little bit to fit you all and your efforts sharing the gospel. "Are you willing to develop your relationship with your Heavenly Father to bring to pass the salvation of souls by daily praying and studying the scriptures?" Take the time to ponder afterwards and set one goal of how you will help someone (one of your brothers or sisters) come unto Christ. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that He is our Master, our King, and our Brother. Choose you this day whom ye will serve. Seek the Lord humbly, and faithfully. I know that as you will do this, you will see miracles in your life. I love you all! Love, Elder Westover (Jordan)

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Tou Fen #19

Oh my goodness. This week was awesome! :) Conference was absolutely awesome!! I can't believe how much I learn from General Conference and how much of a faith builder it is to literally listen to the voices of the living prophets and hear the same truths that have been taught throughout time. The Lin JT this last week scared me really bad. In our first meeting with them this week they told us that they went online to do some research about the church and they had ran into some Anti-Mormon information. They started asking us questions and I have to be honest... I really was afraid we were going to lose them, but as the time went on as we relied on the scriptures and the Spirit, I felt a comfort in my heart when Cai JM said that she knew and knows that all those things that she saw were not good. This was a trial that they were given, and because of their faith, they have been strengthened in it. We went over the next day and ate a wonderful dinner, and shared with them about Faith and Repentance. Lin Dx came to General Conference and all the questions they had, were in one way or another answered perfectly. They really have a great desire to have this gospel in their lives and are making the small and necessary steps to accomplishing those steps. The Lord has a great purpose for them here in Toufen. Oh!!! I just thought of another miracle!! I'm still in Toufen!! I'm really so happy about this! The Lord answered my prayers. I have been in Toufen for 4 1/2 months. I am starting to focus on using the Book of Mormon to find questions a very common part of my personal studies. I am finding that by the Spirit, a reader of the book can literally find an answer to any question. I feel a need to increase my knowledge of the scriptures so that I can better help those I come in contact with and those who I am teaching. So, I am memorizing all of the scripture mastery scriptures in the Book of Mormon this week :) I am so happy! I really am! I have set more goals for this transfer to help me develop that happiness into a greater level of love and Charity for my companion, future investigators, investigators, recent converts and less-actives, and members. I am striving to be like Jesus and to remember that I'm always on exchanges with the Savior. He is always at my side. I need to rely on the strength of my Father and my Redeemer and together, I can do anything. I just need to look up and see what He thinks I should do :) I have decided that I could stay here in Toufen for the rest of my mission. I absolutely love the branch here and I love the town. This place has so much potential and with the amount of wonderful missionaries we have here, we should be able to help these members in their efforts in bringing our brothers and sisters unto salvation. I would like to second everything that was said in General Conference about the roles that we all have in the Work of Salvation. I love you all and I want you to know, that I know that my Savior lives. I know that we are all Children of a loving Heavenly Father who will help us if we ask. This work is only possible through His way. Seek Him out. Ask Him what your purpose is in the Work of Salvation. I know that as you seek that out, and do the small and simple things, you will be helped, and loved. He loves you. Invite others to come and feel of the love! love, Elder Westover

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Tou Fen #18

Hello!!! I love you all so much :) Here are my miracles from this week: Oh. How. I. Love. Being. A. Missionary. ----------- This week was a hard/good week. Had some great times and also some very hard times, but when the work is going slow... I get excited because it means that the time of plentiful blessings is that much closer. Kevin- The youngman who came to church last week set a baptismal date and really is progressing. He is striving to understand who his Father in Heaven is and is doing all the things necessary to develop a great relationship with Him. I know that he feels the Spirit and that it is having an effect on him. I love him and really want to see him get baptized! Comp Exchanges- With Elder Liu on Wednesday we were going out to a teaching appointment with Chen Dx at his house and unfortunately... he "fang"-ed us. So after praying about the next decision we should make as to where we should go next to proselyte we both felt good about staying in the area and tracting. We did so and had no success what so ever. Tracted for 1 1/2 hours and no one wanted to hear the great message we had, and by this time I was really getting discouraged. Then I remembered one of the invites for the month that I had not done yet. I had not used my talents to find. :) It was about time to go to our service appointment and it was the last house... Chen JM an old auma!... She couldn't read or speak much mandarin, so we could not teach her much, so we sang. I had had that prompting the whole time and here it was the last house and we had an opportunity to sing for her. We sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" and made her day :) The Spirit was so great and I felt like I was a true minister, a representative of Jesus Christ doing what He would want me to do. Finding on Friday- We spent 4 hours looking and looking for one person willing to listen to us and it wasn't happening. We got to the park and Elder Broeder offered us a great prayer before we went into the big park to find someone to share the Gospel with. The first person we talked to was the one. His name was Henry Wu and as we walked up he was sitting on the bench next to the lake thinking. We sat down next to him and started to get to know him. He was awesome. We started to share the truths that we know of our Heavenly Father and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. We taught him how to pray and about the Book of Mormon. Helped him start to understand the Spirit and how he works in our lives. His friend had a wedding this weekend, but he said that he would give us a call to tell us when he had time to meet again and share more. We got his number and parted. Being out here is such an incredible thing. I love absolutely every minute of being out here sharing what I know to be true. I know that God lives and I know that he loves us. He knows us perfectly and wants us to be successful. So he has provided us with a living prophet to lead us and guide us back to his presence. So many other blessings that we receive through the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so happy to be a messenger of this message here in Taiwan and I would not be anywhere else :) I love you all so much. Have a wonderful week. Love, Elder Jordan Westover

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Pictures from Judy, a member living in Jordan't ward who is leaving in a week to the Canada EDMONTON MISSION!!! :)

"Here are some pictures we took. Hope you will like them. Elder Westover is doing really well. He is such an awesome missionary. I can tell he enjoys the work very much. The only but most important thing that he had me tell you was that he really loves you very much!!" - From Sister Judy Chao.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Tou Fen # 17 + pictures!!!

This week has been good. We had an awesome Specialized Training in the Forest Jungle of Nanzhuang, just east of Toufen. It was so great and a very good experience. We had training along the trail from Missionary Leaders and a great training at the top of the mountain. We read Mosiah 15:14-17 (How beautiful are the feet upon the mountain of those who publish peace and salvation). It was a very special and spirit filled training. Zhou JM got baptized!!! The 15 year old girl who we started teaching when I got here with Elder Hopper. She finally got baptized :) We met with them on Monday to follow up on their Church experience and were finally able to set a baptismal date!!! Other than that we didn't have another opportunity to meet with them, but they did come to Zhou JM's baptism and actually, they wanted to be there so bad that Lin Dx told me that he got a speeding ticket to get there on time to see what a baptism was like. I think they are pretty serious about the truthfulness of the message of the Restoration if they are willing to get a ticket. Anyway, Cai JM (Lin JM) was wearing a pretty immodest dress to the baptism and I was thinking about who I could ask to give her that talk but my prayers and my question was answered at church the next day. Lin JT walked in and they looked so naturally Mormon... :) Cai JM's dress was a little better, but they walked in and sat down and it just so happened that the place where she was sitting, was right under the AC :) and I know that she listened to the Spirit when she left the house this morning, because she brought a sweater :P. It was an answer to my prayer! They had a great time at church and the ward did a great job of fellow-shipping them. We have another follow-up visit with them tonight. Sacrament Meeting... Kevin from English Class walked in. I saw him and I don't know if he saw it but I feel like my jaws just hit the floor. He promised he would come to English Class and when I asked him why he came to church, he reminded me that he promised he would come to Church. But because we didn't get his number for some reason, we hadn't been able to remind him. He came and had a good visit. We set up a time to meet with him on Tuesday and look forward to setting a baptismal date with him. I love that kid! Chen Dx is progressing toward baptism and really wants to change. We committed him to live the Word of Wisdom this week and is excited for baptism! I am sending a few pictures :) hope you have a great time looking!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Tou Fen #16

Hello family!! This week I have had a wonderful time serving the Lord. Just like... every week I have been out here :) There is so much that I love about being a missionary that it makes me so happy just just thinking about it! Seriously. I love it. Anyway, on to the good parts!! :) This week on Friday we had one of our former investigators (Brother Peter Lin who moved to Tainan in the Taizhong mission for college) give us a call and wanted to meet. We sat and chatted and let Elder Broeder get to know him for about 40 minutes, and then we started to follow up with him on how he was doing with his progression to baptism. When he moved down there he said he was pretty good about it and then after a while because the Tainan missionaries had not gotten in touch with him he started to get off track... He shared with us some trials in his life recently... specifically because he had recently moved and missed his family. As he broke out in tears I gave him a big comforting hug and he continued on to share how grateful he was for his parents and their hard work for him to go to school. He respects and loves his parent's religious beliefs too much right now to accept a baptismal date, but he is slowly developing a relationship with his Father in Heaven. We shared with him the plan that our Father has for us and the power of prayer. Recommitted him to pray every day and pray specifically for the things that he needs comforted. It was a very special lesson for me. Chen Dx, one of our investigators with a baptismal date is progressing. We hope to see him get in the font by October 5. He has had some problems with addictive drugs before (he doesn't have the problems anymore, but he does eat Beetle Nut) and wants to change. He knows that this gospel can help him change and is committed to changing. We had 3 investigators at Church. That has not happened for a long time!! I was super happy to see Lin JM and her son walk in, but it really tore me down to hear that Lin Dx didn't want to come. It was good to see them come, but we'll get him going! We have a follow up appointment for tonight to see how church was and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It makes me so happy to see a family progressing!! I know we will run into trials... roadblocks, but they will know that this message is true and will someday be baptized. I know that my Redeemer is Jesus Christ. I know that there is no greater man than He who has ever walked upon the earth, because He was not just a man. He was the Son of Man. The Son of God. The one Chosen to make to ultimate sacrifice and conquer death. I know that He lives. He is risen and he is calling us. "Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might mind, and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you." I love you. Have a great week! read your scriptures and pray ;) I'm praying for you! Elder Westover

Monday, September 16, 2013

Tou Fen # 15

Joseph, Lisa, Kaleb, and Victoria..... Happy Birthday!!! I love you. 'nuff said. This week was really crazy... I have heard of it before, but I never thought it would happen to me... One of our new baptismal commitments thinks we are FBI agents. He wants us to team up with him to emigrate Asia to America. Bahahahah!!! I am praying that we can talk some sense into him next time we meet with him so that we don't have to drop him. I love being a missionary. Hahah "I love my life!!" :P Two favorite miracles for the week... First was on Saturday... We were out finding some LAs that our Branch President assigned us to visit and neither I or Elder Broeder can't really read characters, I was asking some people to help us find it as we got to the general area it was in. Several people had rejected me the second I asked them, but as I pulled next to a man at an intersection I felt that he would be a nice man and help us find it. I asked him, he looked at us and told us we were about 1 KM away and said he would guide us there. This in and of itself was a miracle... but the Lord blessed us even more. We got to the house and got to know this LA. Li Dx is a 50 years old and was telling us about how much he loves the gospel principle of Eternal Families and before that he was talking about his sons (he's a very proud father), when his second oldest son, who is a professional soldier on his 3rd of 5 year contract and wants to go on a mission, walked in. He took his father's place and talked with us... He spoke great English and we took a little time to get to know him and then we talked about his father. He told us some great information and we were so blessed to have him there, but the greatest miracle was, he had woken up this morning and just felt like he should come home. He got time off come up just that one day. He didn't know why he needed to come home, but the Spirit told him that he needed to and the greatest thing is that he obeyed!! We still have some work to do with his father, but we got his number so we can stay in contact and get his dad back. Second was on Sunday...We went over to the Lin JT (I) to follow up on the "On the Way Home" video we had left for them. They said they had watched it twice and really enjoyed it. We then started to share the Plan of Salvation from after death and on, and answered questions and discussed about our church's doctrine with the Catholic Church's and what differences they have. It was a GREAT lesson. I felt like a representative of the Lord and a missionary that teaches people, not lessons. There were several concerns that came up and that were resolved. Such a blessing!! I'm starting to read some scriptures that I am advised to read in my Patriarchal Blessing and I am seeing more and more the purpose that the scriptures have in my life and how they can help the people that I teach. I'm really trying to help people see the blessings that come from reading the Book of Mormon. I am loving reading Jesus the Christ everyday because it helps me focus on the Savior... and His great glory and importance in the Work of Salvation... He is the Work of Salvation. He is the Master and I am the Servant. That's it for Week 15 in Taiwan :) Love ya! Thank you for your love and prayers. Bringin' in the Harvest for the Lord!! Love, Elder Jordan Westover

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Tou Fen # 14

Hello wonderful, beautiful, amazing family! This week was a great week here in Toufen. We had many incredible miracles. First, Huang Dx. The sisters gave him to us as a referral in the hospital. We were going to finding but we really felt like we should go visit him. We went got to know him, found out that he has been in the hospital for about a month and not any of his family members have come to see him. He is such a happy man and just has such a great spirit about him. We shared the Restoration with him and he really loved it. We set a baptismal date for next month and set up a time later this week. The other is Chen Dx. We were on our way to an appointment with the Weng Family when I saw him... He was on my side of the road and was going in the opposite direction. I just said I to him and then he responded back. I asked him if we could talk to him for a minute. We didn't have much time but we found out that he had read the Bible and he also had some other interesting experiences that lead him to believe in God. We had to go but we set up a time with him later in the day. He actually came. He talked alot... and I'll be honest... I couldn't completely understand everything he was saying, but from the very moment I saw him. I could feel that he would be a great instrument in God's work here in Toufen. I felt really good about him. He accepted the baptismal date, but still hasn't set a date. He came to church too! The other cool on was it was Thursday night. All of our appointments had fallen through, and we were going over to the park to contact and find when a guy on a motorcycle rode by me. As he was riding by me, I yelled, "HELLO" (We're going like 20 MPH). Then he looks at me and says hi back. I asked him if he could pull over so we could talk to him and he did! He spoke a little English so we talked to him and he had some questions to ask us and then we shared the first lesson with him. It's going to take some work to get him to baptism but he said we could meet with him again and share. This week has been such a blessing and I think it's because my companion and I have been really trying to look for miracle and and praying for them too. It's been awesome. I've been feeling much pain and sorrow for our two LAs who have been working on quiting their addictions. Huang Dx fanged us alot and got back into drinking again. Qiu Dx is still not making progress and came to church this Sunday and said he would stay for the whole time but left about half way through Sacrament. I have found alot of comfort in studying mercy and grace. And I realized that I can let that play a little bit bigger role in my life... and then through the Spirit, I can help them come unto Christ and feel of his love and from that love, grace and mercy receive strength to overcome the natural man. Make their weaknesses strengths. (Ether 12:27) I love this work with all of my heart and everything that is in me. There is so much to learn and so little time to learn it. Today I'm going to Taipei to do some things up there with a member and grab some stuff at the distribution center for our investigators. I'm absolutely loving it here are I love you. I am going to set some goals to make my letters more fun so... haha expect some more fun stuff next week. Love, Jordan
PRESIDENT'S EMAIL: Miracles: Last week was great. The Lord answered my prayers and blessed us with finding this week. We were blessed in Toufen with many miracles and I would like to tell you about the two that came our new investigators. First, Huang Dx. The sisters gave him to us as a referral in the hospital. We were going to finding but we really felt like we should go visit him. We went got to know him, found out that he has been in the hospital for about a month and not any of his family members have come to see him. He is such a happy man and just has such a great spirit about him. We shared the Restoration with him and he really loved it. We set a baptismal date for next month and set up a time later this week. I feel like it's been really good for Elder Broeder because ever since that visit he has been comparably diligent. The other in Chen Dx. We were on our way to an appointment with the Weng Family when I saw him... He was on my side of the road and was going in the opposite direction. I just said I to him and then he responded back. I asked him if we could talk to him for a minute. We didn't have much time but we found out that he had read the Bible and he also had some other interesting experiences that lead him to believe in God. We had to go but we set up a time with him later in the day. He actually came. He talked alot... and I'll be honest... I couldn't completely understand everything he was saying, but from the very moment I saw him. I could feel that he would be a great instrument in God's work here in Toufen. I felt really good about him. He accepted the baptismal date, but still hasn't set a date. He came to church too! Many more, but I am so grateful to the Lord for the miracles and blessings this week. Studies: I've been feeling much pain and sorrow for our two LAs who have been working on quiting their addictions. Huang Dx fanged us alot and got back into drinking again. Qiu Dx is still not making progress and came to church this Sunday and said he would stay for the whole time but left about half way through Sacrament. I have found alot of comfort in studying mercy and grace. And I realized that I can let that play a little bit bigger role in my life... and then through the Spirit, I can help them come unto Christ and feel of his love and from that love, grace and mercy receive strength to overcome the natural man. Make their weaknesses strengths. (Ether 12:27) Companionship Relationship: Great. We're still getting to know each other but he really seems to be improving with his attitude to the work and his diligence. I'm still praying for Charity and striving to love him. Personal Development: I'm doing great and I feel like I'm getting more and more lost in the work. Anything Else Important: Thank you for your words of encouragement and reminding me not to get into a habit of finding... like one thing to find. Elder Broeder and I will discuss that and make plans to make our finding more effective and fun!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Tou Fen #13

Another great week here in Toufen!! Definitely not the greatest with Key Indicators, but definitely a great growing week for me. My "dad" (Elder Hopper) left me at home and I will not see him at least for another 6 weeks... but it's alright because I have to grow up some time! :P haha and the Lord felt that the greatest thing to help me grow up would be to send Elder Hopper off and to bring 3 Elders back to Toufen. . . Yes!!! I just said that!! Toufen has 4 Elders and 2 Sisters! The work here is about to explode!!! It's been a little crazy for me because I am the Junior Companion, but the only one out of the four of us who knows anything about this place, but this is the will of the Lord. He knows I can take it. The Sisters also had a baptism this week and I got to baptize her! :) haha her name is Lin JM. She is known to the missionaries as mine and Elder Hopper's "Girlfriend"(Elder Hopper and I found her two weeks befor the Sisters got here and she always called us Shuai ge (handsome)) :P she is about 70 years old and is just the cutest old lady you will ever meet! She is so great. It was a great experience. It was such a great thing to hear her bear her testimony and see how much the knowledge of the Restoration has blessed her. Because of this Gospel, she KNOWS that she is a precious daughter of God. My greatest thing from studies this week was Alma 7... The Atonement of Christ, why we need it, and how we can apply it. We are working with 2 families (Weng and Lin Families) and they are progressing just great!! Weng Family actually came to the baptism on Saturday and I think they really liked it. next time we meet with them we are going to share the Plan of Salvation and I'm super stoked :)!! I love you. Thank you for your prayers and blessings. Love, Elder Westover

Monday, August 26, 2013

Tou Fen # 12 ( He sent pictures and I will get those up soon)

Hey ya'll! It's my last week with Elder Hopper. I'm so grateful for everything he has been able to teach me, and I thank him for being an instrament in the Lord's hands to teach me humility. Oh boy!! I love being a missionary! There are so many blessings that come from being a missionary. I am so happy to have this time to devote everything that I have to the Lord and gathering lost Israel. Toufen Branch now has a mission plan...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is so much potential here and It is so exciting to know that there is now a plan, goals, and a vision that the Lord has for the people in the Toufen Branch. It's just like the commandments from God... if we keep them we'll be happy and be blessed. If we do all we can to accomplish the daily, weekly, and monthly goals set on the Branch Mission Plan... we will see blessings in the missionary work!! It's so amazing how simple it is. I love it. This week while on exchanges with Elder Senkins we had two really great miracles. 1- We set a baptismal date on the street. 2- We gave a blessing to a former investigator's daughter in the hospital. Unfortunately our first miracle did not pan out. he fang-ed women gedze, but it was great because I got to be bold on the street. I'd never done that and I really felt like I was doing what I needed to do as a missionary. I felt like I was fulfilling my purpose. Our second miracle did work out with the will of the Lord. We found out later that the little girl was better by the end of the day and out of the hospital. The Sisters have had them as investigators since they got here, but the mom said that she wants to be baptized. This is a huge miracle because they have really been lacking faith in the Tithing. Mom is putting pressure on Dad... :) haha Gotta love it. They all came to church this week too and they are totally a Mormon family waiting to get in the water! Next we invited the new family we found from last week..... It really was completely out of the blue and it didn't sound pretty at all but I extended it and though they did not accept or set a date yet, it will be alot easier to remind them of why we are out here. It will be alot easier to extend it over and over and over till they realize that we mean business about this baptism stuff and they will start to understand. The thing I learned is that even though the approach to the invite was not that great... and it was out of the blue completely,and there could have been a different outcome or response, the Spirit is the teacher and knows what needs to be said and when. IT brought out concerns and gave us a good place to know where we can go next time. It is amazing how much you learn out here. "Oh how great is the wisdom of our God." Everything about the mission makes this statement so true. This week I've learned alot about Faith... Being Diligent in Faith. I am also striving to be more happy!! (Atleast to make sure that I'm showing it) I have learned that love is so important. I love you. I mean it. I miss you. I'll see you some day, but right now, my Heart is the Lord's. Love, Elder Jordan Westover

Monday, August 19, 2013

Tou Fen #11

Hello!! Again! :) oh boy. It is just so incredible to be a missionary. We had a good week this week here in Toufen! This week we had interviews with President Day and they were awesome. I am so blessed to have a "mom" and "dad" out here on the mission as well as back home. haha just another blessing of being a missionary! I'm excited about the goals that I set with President Day. I absolutely love Sister Day!! haha she reminds me a lot of you mom :) haha she even does Doterra! ;) She loves me :) haha Anyway, in my prayers last night, I felt like I should address a little of letter to my nieces and nephews. And I want to address you all by name: Adelynn, Enoch, Vicki, Christina, Kaleb, Savannah, Calyssa, Benjamin, Ella, Brigg, Gunner, Ashlynn, Olivia, Emery, Kate, Victoria, Camden, Kaden, Cosette, Cardston, Kiah, Malia, Eva, Tate, and Tallie. I want to tell you how much a absolutely love you all. Each and everyone of you. I want you to think for a little bit of all the fun times that we have had and all of the special times that we have had. Next I want you to think about all the times that you have been happy. I bet that most of those times are when you have been with your family. Now open your Books of Mormon and read Mosiah 2:41. That is my absolute favorite scripture... "consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God."... The reason I love this so much is because I KNOW one thing. That we are children of God. God is our loving Father in Heaven and because he loves us, he has given us commandments, to "lead us and guide us and help us find the way" back to live with Him! And because He loves us even more, He gave us our parents. They are so important to the Plan of Happiness that our Heavenly Father has for us. They, just like the prophets have been called of God to teach you and raise you up in the Gospel. They love you and want you to grow up to be successful... just like your Heavenly Father. Please. Obey your parents. Follow the rules they set for you because I promise you that you will "dwell with God in a state of neverending happiness. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It literally is the word of God. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He is our best friend and knows us individually and perfectly. I love you so much. Read and pray everyday. Your Heavenly Father wants to talk to you. You speak through your prayers and He speaks to you through the words of the prophets. Miracles: On companion exchanges with Elder Gibson we had a great lesson with one of our investigators who has been very hesitant to make any commitments. While we were following up on his reading and praying he said... "I read and I prayed and when I prayed I could feel an angel at my side... It felt good and safe." He has not accepted the invitation to baptism or to come to church because he is too afraid of what his parents will do... but he leaves for college next month and I know that when he goes there he will do those things. We are going to try and send him to the Taizhong mission with a baptismal date. His faith is growing and developing. Last week we found a lady who wanted us to teach her kids English and so this week we had an appointment to visit them. It went great! The dad is there and will be there every time we are there, but we shared with them what our real purpose was and that we share a message that can bless their family and asked if we could also teach our message. They set up and we are super excited about them! They have two kids. Johnson (12) and Julia(9)! Johnson has really bad A.D.D. They recently moved in so if they come to church next week they can meet some new friends! Lin Qing Yong is in Mosiah 11!! He has a while to go because of some problems with Word of Wisdom and just clearing some things out with him about the Law of Chastity. We're praying that the Lord will humble him to allow us to speak enough in our lessons. He really is negative about his life right now and barely allows our lessons to be taught. We re-established expectations this last week. It's been another rough week of finding people that will listen to us. We are moving forward in Faith and humbly seeking out the will of the Lord. Follow-up: Lin Family (tracted into a while back)- they are just finishing a traditional 40 day mourning gathering for her grandmother. (she is what they call yuan ju ming) Native Taiwanese. Lin Qing Yong has a baptismal date and is reading the BofM. (right now he is in Mosiah 11) He is working with some commandments and some health problems, but he is reading and praying and wants to be baptized. Huang Yen Wen and his mother are doing alright. He is slowly getting off drinking and smoking. We are still working with him on a weekly basis. His mother is investigating right now and is slowly progressing because she just doesn't have enough time to sleep and she often forgets things that the sisters teach her. I love you all so much. Love, Elder Westover P.S.- Katelyn Parkin, Sarah Strong, Victoria & Cosette Hall I got your letters and I loved them!! Thank you so much :)

Sunday, August 18, 2013

President's Report #11

Hey I will send these reports to you so you can see how my progression is going. I am trying to get better at these so please if you have any incites as to things I could share please do. :) I love you! A. Miracles: On companion exchanges with Elder Gibson we had a great lesson with one of our investigators who has been very hesitant to make any commitments. While we were following up on his reading and praying he said... "I read and I prayed and when I prayed I could feel an angel at my side... It felt good and safe." He has not accepted the invitation to baptism or to come to church because he is too afraid of what his parents will do... but he leaves for college next month and I know that when he goes there he will do those things. We are going to try and send him to the Taizhong mission with a baptismal date. His faith is growing and developing. Last week we found a lady who wanted us to teach her kids English and so this week we had an appointment to visit them. It went great! The dad is there and will be there every time we are there, but we shared with them what our real purpose was and that we share a message that can bless their family and asked if we could also teach our message. They set up and we are super excited about them! They have two kids. Johnson (12) and Julia(9)! Johnson has really bad A.D.D. They recently moved in so if they come to church next week they can meet some new friends! Lin Qing Yong is in Mosiah 11!! He has a while to go because of some problems with Word of Wisdom and just clearing some things out with him about the Law of Chastity. We're praying that the Lord will humble him to allow us to speak enough in our lessons. He really is negative about his life right now and barely allows our lessons to be taught. We re-established expectations this last week. It's been another rough week of finding people that will listen to us. We are moving forward in Faith and humbly seeking out the will of the Lord. B. Studies: Using the scriptures to teach has been the greatest thing that I have been able to apply this week. As Arron did I want to teach and then expound. But before that it comes down to asking questions and listening to the investigator so that you can use God's words to answer their questions and show how the scriptures can give them answers. C. Companionship Relationship: It's so good! I'm loving it and I'm super sad a that one of us will leave... it's honestly really sad for me to think. But we are going to leave this area in a better condition than when we got here. D. Personal Development: I feel like there is so much that I have to do. I am learning that all of the converts and investigators I teach can only be converted as far as I myself am converted. I'm seeking to sanctify myself. The Spirit has brought to mind things that I must do in order to be a better teacher and example so that I can have the spirit testify through me. They are having diligence to faith... using the scriptures... and testifying directly to the needs of those I speak with. I know that as I strive to do the mission, zone, and district invites and strive to do the small and simple things, that I will have the ability to call the people of Toufen to repentance, change, improve, progress, and become a "new creature" (Mosiah 27:25-26). I must seek for purity and sanctification to be able to do that and it comes down to my thoughts, actions, and desires as I do the work of the Lord.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Tou Fen # 10

It has been so great here!! I am so in love with the people here and I love you all. Here are some of the miracles from this week. This week was a great week! I had a wonderful week as a missionary. When it comes to our numbers... it wasn't exactly what we really wanted to see, but the Lord has definitely humbled us. I personally learned that I need to literally talk with everyone. There is something in this gospel message that will help everyone, and everyone that I speak with literally is my brother or sister. They need to know the plan of mercy, love and happiness that our Father in Heaven has prepared for them, and I just have to love them enough to stop and invite them repent, and repent. That's not an easy thing to do by myself, but I know that as I talk with everyone, strive to listen, speak and do, as Jesus Christ, everyone I speak with will know through the Holy Spirit when I say that I am a representative of Jesus Christ. We also sound some awesome service opportunities!! hahah with a Buddhist Service group :) One soul was baptized this week!! Yu Dx (Jeff) was baptized and confirmed this weekend. It's been a long time coming! He is so ready and I have actually been pretty nervous that he may be too perfect... Elder Hopper has just been talking about how when their "too perfect" that they fall away sooner or later, but during his confirmation, I felt comfort in my heart that all would be ok, and that the Lord has great plans in-store for him. My favorite scripture this week is in 1 Nephi 4:6. "And I was led by the Spirit. Not knowing what I should do beforehand." Love, Elder Westover Some pics 1- Exchanges with Elder McKay from MTC District (he is in Miaoli) 3- Dinner with our branch president 4&5- beautiful sunset on the way over to an appointment with one of our LA's (it was late, and the pics weren't working. I will add those soon. Check back for the pictures)

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Tou Fen # 9

Hello Loved-ones! I am so so sorry but I won't be writing alot this week... I'm going up to Xinzhu to go to Costco!!! haha Yes... they have Costco here. We have been asked to prepare personal 72 Hour Packs and have to have them put together by the end of the month. We have a member taking us up there and we don't have much time to write, but I got to write my mom and email so I think that's good enogh :) Vicki!!! (John's Vicki) Happy Birthday!!! :) I love you! Sarah and Tarah!.... You two beauties are going to have a great Happy Birthday up there with Josh, Katie, Jacob, and Rebekah :) Love you! This week was great and huge builder for me.... just lots of realizations and connections made for me. I love it and I am so happy to be here. Really... there is no place better that Taiwan. (except for Cornville, AZ) ;) I'm going to attach a little bit from my president's letter: The footings for missionary work in Toufen are just being set. We are working on our Branch Mission Plan and it is really cool to see all of this happen. The changes that have taken since I've gotten here have been so great and I love to see the hearts of the people change. I am learning the power of prayer is so much greater with more people! This last week we had a training with the Young Men in our branch and it was really good! The young men's president is doing great with inspiring his young men to share the gospel with their friends and he committed them to invite all of their classmates to come to church (church activity) through out the year! We did a role play with them and they really liked it. I am striving everyday to apply the language and teaching skills and knowledge that I gain. I'm striving to listen... truly listen to those that I teach and those that I speak with, so that I have to Spirit of Discernment. I am a huge believer of what you said to us one of our first days on island. "90% of inspiration, is information". I am not a pro at it, but I'm really trying to listen. Taking the time to slow down and put out what the natural man would say (trying to rely on myself to answer the questions, and teach the doctrines) but rather, listen closely for the voice of the Spirit to tell me what it is that I need to say, and do. Or what the needs of my investigator are, as my companion and I plan for them. I am learning that the Gift of Discernment is so essential. I love you and I love this work... My favorite scripture from study this week was Moroni 8:25-26. Think of being a member missionary. Think of all the blessings that the Gospel has brought you in yous life, and how much happiness and joy that could bring your friends, co-workers, classmates, and family members. Strive to do the little things that will present opportunities to share the gospel with all of those around you. I love you and pray for you all the time. I am so grateful for your prayers and love. Keep them coming!! Toufen needs the Lord's blessings. :) Love, Elder Jordan Westover

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Updating Pictures Finally!

These were from his first week in Taiwan, Tou Fen Week #1... :) I'm just getting up to posting them. Enjoy. Doesn't he look so great!?

Tou Fen # 8

I am so sorry for not saying this last week, but Dad, Enoch, Jared, and Jacob... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :) I love you all! And a special Happy Birthday to Olivia :) I hope it's great! (Eat some cake for me Brigg ;P ) I don't know if this is normal for everyone who has gone on a mission, but I just want to say I'm sorry to all of the people who write me letters and just don't get a response.... haha I am really so sorry but there is almost no time to write everyone. I want to say a special thank you to all the people who have written me since I've gotten here. Thank you to.... Graifs, Smithsons, Bracamontes, Anna, Ashlynn, Olivia, Emery, Kate, Leah, Kaleb, Savannah, Calyssa, Ben, Ella, Sister Talbot, and Allison Petramalo. I really love to hear from you and how life is there!! :) Just know that I really do love hearing from you, but I don't know that you will get a letter back right away...... haha. Once you're a missionary, you'll know. :) Joshua!! Thank you so much for the love brotha! The pictures were great to see :) Congrats on the new house!!! :) I am so happy for you guys. Sarah's trainer in the Canada Edmonton mission has been in Taiwan for an internship and she went to the temple about three weeks ago. She asked one of the Sisters in the visitor center if they knew of me and one of the sisters actually was in my Zone. She gave me a note and 500 NT to go get ice cream! haha so nice of her :) it's really cool and I don't know if she knows or not, but my name is on the money that she gave me!! (Wu3- which means 5) This week we had a new investigator (Lin Qing Yong) who came to church this week and he is doing great! he is meeting with us twice a week and he is feeling the love from God so much more! The other investigatory is Yu Dx. and he is doing so awesome!!! He has his baptismal interview set for next Sunday and will have it on the 8/10. Super stoked and he is so ready!.... It honestly is so crazy that he is so prepared! Now I'm going to share what I sent to President Day for my report this week. "This last week we focused on one less-active Melchizedek priesthood holder and another potential. They both have word of wisdom problems and it has been incredible to see the Atonement of Jesus Christ change them and give them strength. Huang yen wen is the one who we found recently and he is progressing so well! He has quit drinking and is now working on quitting smoking, but to hear his testimony and feel the Spirit as we testify to him that as he continues to come unto Christ and keep all of his commandments, that he can be forgiven of all of his sins. I actually think the most incredible thing has been seeing the light of Christ return to him more fully! The countenance of light that shows that he knows that he is a son of God, and that he has a Savior who has already suffered for his pains, sorrows, mistakes and sins. All he has to do is repent. And that is such a happy thing!!! The other one is Qiu Dx, who a year ago was in the branch presidency, and I guess got into the wrong crowd and started drinking and eating Beetle Nut. We have been meeting with him for a while and he has never really made any effort to quit, but this week we told him that we would call him morning and night to remind him to read his scriptures and say his prays to receive more strength. It was doing alright and he didn't always do it, but Friday came around and we had two members go over with us to visit him. One of the members has recently been baptized and overcome those same problems. We asked him to share his story, and bare his testimony of the things that helped him. It was powerful. We invited him to come to church and he accepted. He came!!! The Lord provides a way for his righteous servants to do his work. For the month of July, one of our goals was to get a less-active Melchizedek priesthood holder back to church. it worked :) Thank you Heavenly Father!!" I'm loving being a missionary, and I find the more I lose myself in the work the more ability I have to invite his children to come unto him and find the truth that He has provided them to give them peace and joy in this world full of hatred, pains, and sorrows. I love my Savior and I love His work. Please pray for Elder Hopper and I here in Toufen and pray that we will have the humility and ability to listen to the Spirit to find the prepared ones. Father in Heaven does hear your prayers and I am reaping the blessings from them. We need as many as we can, so keep it coming! :) love ya!! Hurrah for Israel!!!!!!!!
Pictures: 1.)visiting their investigator with some member 2.)The Taipei MRT Station, "so many people" 3.)TYPHOON 4.)closest thing to Chik-filet there. My favorite is the breakfast here. Mmmm. 5.)Our last District Meeting before Elder Peterson went home. We're the youngest District in the mission right now. We're all training or being trained.