Week 78

Blessings from the Lord 

This last week was a very special week. My life changed forever on Tuesday when my companion passed away after being struck by a car on the way to the church. That night was a tough experience for me. However, I have been able to pray and receive priesthood blessings that have helped me to overcome and find peace through this trial.

At first, I was very shaken up. However, as I began to reflect on my purpose as a missionary and on the Plan of Salvation, I came to see this experience not so much as a tragedy for me, but as a blessing that has strengthened my testimony of the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have felt the healing power of His Atonement and also the power of all your prayers over this last week. Because of these things, I have been able to press forward.

I spent the day after the accident, in Taichung in order to help with some of the legal matters. I also spent part of that day resting and reflecting on what had happened. Then on Thursday,  I headed back out to Zhang Hua. I am currently serving with the other ward's elders in a threesome, but we are also covering some investigators from my own ward. Although it seemed a little fast to get back to the work, there were some things I had to get done.  And I knew Elder Hampton cared just as much for our investigators as I did, so I knew he preferred me getting right back to work. I especially had to go back to prepare for a baptism for our investigator 羅Peter, which was planned for Saturday.

The baptism was great!  The Spirit was so strong throughout the entire service. I had a special feeling throughout, and I knew missionaries from both sides of the veil were present. I reflected on how, as one person I knew and loved, had just ended their mortal discipleship of Jesus Christ, someone else I knew and loved, had just begun theirs.

To close, I would like to bare my testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I have come to Taiwan to preach to every person the truths and blessings of the Plan of Salvation and I know personally these principles are true. I know we shall all live again and once again be reunited with ALL those we loved here on earth. I know this is made possible because of the Atonement and sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ, who died and lived again. Because of this knowledge, I am not struggling or depressed by Elder Hampton's passing, but rather I am still a very happy and a very blessed missionary. 

I love you all,

Elder Quist