My First Lesson

“This isn’t what I thought missionary work would be like,” I think to myself. “I thought missionaries go about their day bringing good tidings and love to all; everyone stops and listens to what an ordained representative of God has to say. Instead, I find myself stumbling through the intricate Chinese grammar, unsure about what to do in lessons, and tiered from all the bike riding. Not nearly as glamorous as I thought it would be.”

Red light. Time to stop my bike for the 100^th time and talk to someone. Who looks like they want the gospel of Jesus Christ…

“不用...” says the first.

“不用...” says the second.

“不用...” says the third even before I open my mouth!

“What the heck does this “Bu-Yong” word mean. I get that it is some sort of rejection, but what are they actually saying?” I ask Elder Boshard in slight annoyance. He tells me that “不用”, directly translated, means “useless.”

Did he just say that all the Taiwanese people are telling me my message is useless?

He continues, “And I know you are probably thinking they are saying our message is useless…” How did he know? “…but they are merely saying they have no use for your message in their life right now. Really, it’s a more polite way to reject you than to say they aren’t interested according to Chinese culture.” After feeling guilty for impulsively judging them I give a short acknowledgment and continue with contacting people.

Back to my bike. Back to my thoughts.

So, if missionary work isn’t glamorous, what is it? I find missionary work is more than just teaching the word of God. The best way I can put it is that missionary work is facilitating God’s interactions with His children. I know that might sound weird, but as I try to talk with the Taiwanese people I get to witness His work with them. I don’t really do anything—God does it all. Thus I feel it is ok to conclude that missionary work isn’t the works of missionaries, but of our Heavenly Father.

I get an impression—over there, I should go talk to him. Stop my bike, pull out a pamphlet. Let’s do this.

As I talk with the stranger standing outside some construction zone, Elder Boshard looks back from where he is riding to find a half dozen scooters, a car or two, a noodle shop, but no Elder Smith! Because missionaries aren’t allowed to be separated this is really alarming. After retracing his steps he finally finds me riding away from a high-rise construction site, beaming. I explain to him I that the guy I just talked to is a security guard for the construction company and he is interested in learning more about our message. Up until then I hadn’t really had success sharing the gospel on the streets so I was just ecstatic. Even though I had a hard time getting the words out, this Brother Huang set up a time to meet: Monday Evening.

During our daily planning session on Monday morning three days later I am optimistic. Elder Boshard does remind me that many people who set up teaching appointments with us don’t actually show up. I know this, but refuse to accept the fact that Brother Huang won’t be there for our lesson. I just know it will happen. After another investigator stands us up, Elder Boshard, a member that just so happened to be with us, and I all ride our bikes or scooter to the construction zone Monday night, as planned.

As with most lessons I understand the beginning pleasantries but am completely lost for the remainder of the lesson. Elder Boshard seems to be doing fine teaching Brother Huang along side a native Taiwanese member who can understand everything. I want so desperately to share my thoughts though. In contrast to everyone that says “不用” so readily it seems Brother Huang is actually interested in what we are saying. Now Elder Boshard is giving him the Book of Mormon we brought. I assume they are talking about prophets because I hear the Chinese word for prophets but that’s about it. This lesson must be going really well!

Then I get this feeling that I need to say something about the atonement. I don’t know what to talk about because there isn’t much I can say about the subject. Even if I just bear my testimony of Christ’s atonement that would be great. The problem is I have no idea when to say something and Elder Boshard seems to being doing just fine without me.

If the moment presents itself I will say something. If not, it’s no big deal.

The impression to say something immediately becomes really strong. My heart is pounding. While Elder Boshard and the member think about what to say to Brother Huang’s previous questions I interject and talk about something—not knowing beforehand what to say. Honestly, I have no idea what I am saying or why I am saying it, but comprehendible Chinese seems to be coming out of my mouth. I recall talking about how I can’t understand what anyone is saying, how I am far away from home, and how my insides don’t along well with the food. Yet despite all these trials I still feel strength, happiness, and optimism in missionary work. Then for a reason unknown to me, I go on to say that this is because of the power I get from the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that it is through Him that I am able to speak in Chinese (I got a C in High School French just to give you perspective) and I know that as I continue to do this work that I will see miracles.

Now I feel really bad because I swear no one understood what I just said (I sure didn’t really know what I was saying anyway). It  feels like I said some random statements about Jesus when they were talking about the Book of Mormon. Yeah, now I’m embarrassed. Not saying anything for the rest of the lesson.

After my two cents, Elder Boshard testifies of my words and the three Chinese speakers start their gospel discussion again. From what I could observe my thoughts were insignificant to the lesson, but I was glad to have made some contribution.

Later I learned my testimony had a much bigger role in the lesson. Unbeknownst to me Brother Huang had a hard time relating to the person they called Christ. He wasn’t too excited about reading the Book of Mormon nor could he get off work to go to church. The lesson wasn’t going as well as hoped. After I said something, though, he had renewed interest and committed to reading the Book of Mormon. Apparently my thoughts were exactly in line with what he was saying and really helped him with his concern!

Isn’t it interesting how God won’t let us fail when we have the right intentions. Even though I had thoughts and feelings of failure I in fact provided some good insights to the lesson. Also, why did it feel like I didn’t understand my own words? Everyone was looking at me so it had to be me speaking. Maybe it goes back to what I was thinking about on my bike. Missionary work is more than just teaching. It is doing His work. I may have weaknesses, but with Christ I can overcome them in both the figurative and literal sense of the word. I’m starting to really believe there is something more to this whole missionary work experience.