Letter from Elder Britsch July 12th & July 20th

*Elder Britsch's mission recently combined with the Seoul mission*

Dear Family, July 12th, 2010

Thanks for the b-day notes. Got the package. I got transferred to an area in the Seoul mission. Now working with one of their zone leaders who is really good. There are many little differences in the ways we've been trained. The forms we use, and even the way the missionaries think but the gospel is the same and we are working for synergy. Its been fun to here about how different are missions have been and yet how similiar. My companion is named Elder Rodrigues and is from Hawaii. He's caucasian. Maybe no more korean comps for me? His dad works at the base near the dole pineapple farms. He's cool and respected. Get along well. Seen many miracles since we joined forces. Had 5 investigators come to church and a few that are nearing baptism. Our pool isn't huge but we have a few member referrals to work with. Member referrals are 10x's more likely to get baptized than those found by missionaries. About 70 members attend the 2 story old red brick building. All very helpful and many speak english. A missionary who was in my district back in bupyoung is in this ward. He was one who went home early because of back problems. Fun to serve in his ward. He helps us.


The missionary I replaced came with his family to the ward last Sunday- they're traveling here. It was interesting to see how something as little as his brother's slighty extreme hair, unshaven face, and complaining shocked me. While I dont mean to judge them at all, I was suprised at how I felt to see it. The members here think of the u.s. members as missionaries . I felt embarassed because of the image that they gave. Though they're styles are acceptable by the world and they're RM's, the ability to trust them was a bit hindered. Funny how as a missionary you become aware of these things. I realize I will be in shock going home.


Our area is north of seoul in a place called Dobong. It has pretty jagged peaks around it. In our zone is an area that goes all the way up to the dmz. They can hear shotfire some times when the military trains there. I'm excited to go on exchanges there.


Many of our investigators are middle school and high school age. Some go to seminary. Last week they went on sat. (2 of them) and attended even though no members showed up but the teacher. They're only 17 but are addicted to cigarettes. We've been helping them overcome it. One pack is 3000won or roughly $3. They smoke one a week. We did the math with them and they were shocked by how much that is a year. We're also helping a less active stop smoking. He smokes a pack a day. Literally chained to it. Our 26 yr old guy is also trying to quit.


What a blessing it is to have never started! I'm grateful for the wisdom, inspiration, and guidance of our leaders. Revelation is very powerful when followed.


My faith has really grown. We often say our names and briefly who we are to people on the street and then tell them to sit down with us in or on the nearest place. What's amazing is how many of them do it. Then we teach them for 5-10 minutes and get there number and an appointment. We did it around 10 times in the last few days.


I've really felt an added energy and ability from the Lord the last few days. I'm tryingto really give it my all. It is there in the margins that miracles occur. When we have really done all we can, then the Lord steps in and does the rest. But only if we are worthy and diligent.


Love you all. Hope you're enjoying the summer. Many people await our invitations.


I truly love this work.

Sarang,

elder britsch

Dear Fam, July 20th, 2010

Glad to hear the family reunions were fun. Life's been super busy here. Today was temple day so my p-day is today instead of yesterday. Next week it will be Monday as usual.


I found out that the 29 yr.old lady (who is friends with the RM in idaho) who I was teaching in my last area got baptized last Saturday. They met her again the day of transfers and she went with them to another persons baptism and accepted a date after. I heard it went really well.


The hottest days of the year in korea are called "Dog Days". People usually eat dogs on these days because it gives you more stamina. Yesterday and today are dog days. Around 34C with 85%humidity. But its really not that bad.


Yesterday we met with one of our investigators and he accepted a baptismal date for Aug. 1st. Heng bok he yo (i'm happy) . He's a 77 year old grandpa who's attended Methodist church for over 40 years. It was my first time meeting him because he's been on vacation. We taught him the plan of salvation and focused on baptism. We taught it all through the scriptures with a member. He told us he had already been sprinkled as a kid and baptized later at another church. We explained the need for proper authority and I felt to show him D&C 22. He read it and then said "I need to be baptized with authority." On way out he said "the sun country sounds nice" (he meant the celestial kingdom but in korean the translation is roughly the same) . It was funny to me.


We're teaching a 9yr old Afghani korean at his grandparents house. His mom is korean and his dad is a mystery. Since his mom is living in Afghanistan working for the UN and and the kid doesn't look korean we connected the dots. Not sure the kid knows. He's hilarious. Reminds me of Hunter at that age. His grandma fed us a chicken soup dish after our meeting. Although grateful for the hospitality we had already eaten lunch before coming. Customs say you eat anyway so we did (it wasn't easy after pulling out 2 long hairs from the food - one in the soup, one in the kimchi).


Yesterday we gave a blessing to a 16 year old member with cancer. He has a 4hr surgery today. He is amazingly cheerful and optimistic despite his condition.


Had RM who served in Taiwan with us at church on Sunday. Translated for him. He's here on exchange program.


This week we have 3 days of leadership training from 9-3pm each day. Its a church wide training for missionaries.


I've been reflecting lately on how the mission has been tailor made for me. I've really been able to see through my companions, leaders, investigators, and areas, that the Lord has had his hand in all of these things. I've had the opportunity for my character and nature to change into what the Lord knows is my potential. Although many changes still need to be made, I am grateful to have become aware of them and for the chance to see how to do it .


I love you all. SO grateful for your testimonies and love for me despite my weaknesses and shortcomings.

Love you all.


Elder Britsch


You can read Elder Britsch's past letters and see pictures at
missionsite.net/elderbritsch His new mission address and email are posted there as well :)