Hey,
I've come to the end of my 2nd transfer. Sat. is transfer calls. I hope to continue working with my companion. I suspect he will be a leader in korea in the future. He has such strong convictions and a desire live the commandments. I am amazed that anyone, especially the youth, can stay active in korea and at that to be an exemplary member. The inactivity rate is over 70%. We have seen some great things in our area. It takes at least a month to see things really get going. We have set 3 baptismal dates this last week. Our investigators face tremendous obstacles as they prepare but we are happy to see that they have will try. Our first candidate is a business man that faces a drinking obstacle. He drinks 7 days a week because his boss pressures him into it. Korean culture. He is cutting down on the days but needs some time. He loves us and we him. He’s hilarious and keeps us laughing. He is sincere but he’s not sure he can risk losing his job in these economic times.
Our second candidate is a 19yr. old girl who is a referral from her mother (supposedly a member) who lives in pussan. The girl wants to be a celebrity and needs English for singing. She and her sister have been on Korean t.v. before and are minor celebrities. She wants to be Christian because she has seen it bless the lives of her friends. We watched the restoration video on our second visit and when se asked her what she thought, she told us that she felt something good and feels its true. We were shocked. My companion told me ask her to be baptized and set a date. I had never learned the vocab. nor practiced extending this commitment in Korean. So I just winged it and my companion filled in the rest. She accepted. However, afterward he mom showed up at the house and offered to buy us all lunch. As we all ate on the floor the mom pulls out some Korean alcohol and asks us if we want any. So then begins the word of wisdom discussion. The daughter is surprised we don’t drink. It looks like it will be another obstacle. So we’re confused about the mom b’c we thought she was a member and was going to support us. It was strange.
Our third, is a 28yr old women who is needs English to study in America. She soaks in everything we say with no questions. She prayed for the first time and has continued each night. She’s read a little of the book of mormon but said its hard to understand (even the members don’t understand it b/c of the old Korean language used). We gave her a baptismal date and she said she has to think about it b’c her fams Buddhist and may disown her. We are praying for all of them and our grateful for their good hearts and sacrifices. The Korean work schedule makes it very difficult to meet with people, especially b’c we need males to meet with women. Most people work till 8 at nights and on Saturdays. My Korean is gradually progressing. I can have a basic conversation with the Koreans in my house as we try to fall asleep. Its cool. Only a couple of the elders in our mission are fluent. Many can teach and live off what they can say but most can’t speak about other topics for longer than a few minutes. It’s a challenging language. Today I'm visiting a Buddhist temple for preparation day. Its in the middle of downtown. I love you all and wish you a happy v-day. (btw. In korea only the women give gifts to the men on v-day. The day for the men to give gifts is later in the year)
Love,Elder BRitsch
Feb. 4th Letter from Elder Britsch
Thanks for the letter. I don't have enough time to write a long letter but I want to say I love you all and hope you are well. The work is starting to pick up after the holidays last week. Our roommates have a baptism this weekend. We are excited for them and are trying to get our investigators to end. The korean is still hard but it always will be :) I'm progressing one step at a time. Our ward has been asleep on missionary work so we are looking for ways to jumpstart the members. Our ward mission leader is non existent since he got married so we are our own w.m.l. We are still eating lots of rice and kimchi and I love it. I'll send a list of all the strange stuff I've eaten in the future. I love you all. Sorry its so short.
Elder Britsch
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Updated letters for you to read from Elder Britsch
I have updated Mckay's letters on the blog for you to read. Sorry I got a bit behind. Thank you so much for all of your support for McKay. I know that your letters have really helped to support and sustain him especially these past several weeks. You are all wonderful and we love you.
Jo and fam
Jo and fam
Letter from Elder Britsch Jan. 29th, 2009
Dear All, Jan. 29th, 2009
Happy Korean New Year! We spent the Korean holiday at a member’s house where we had a traditional soup and other food including eel. The teaching and proselyting standards in our mission have been raised. As for teaching, we have picked up many new investigators but not all are consistent. I'm still amazed at the intelligence of the people we teach. Many are attending the equivalent of Harvard for Korea. One of the women is studying American literature and history. I have been teaching her about Mormon history during our English time. I have actually learned a lot as I've looked for things to share with her. My appreciation for the pioneers has grown immensely. She respects their ability to endure the persecutions and hold to their convictions. It is noble. I am also amazed at home many people have read about the "Mormon exodus" during their college experience. The example of members and our history is well known. I have been studying the stories of Alma and the sons of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon. They are a fantastic example of missionary excellence. We are working on increasing the member missionary work in our ward. Please send me any ideas. The less active rate is well over 50% in Korea so we are trying to reactivate many less actives. I am discovering how much the Korean people need the gospel. Life is extremely competitive here. High school students will often study from 7am to 2am, plus Saturday school. The importance of titles makes it so that people feel of little worth unless they obtain a high title like professor or CEO. Plastic surgery is the highest in the world. People buy a couple of designer outfits and where them all the time so that they look rich and get respect. Most men cheat on their wives. The suicide rate is only second to Sweden. These people need the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior’s ultimate and unprejudiced love. The love for yourself that comes from the confidence of knowing life's purpose and your divine heritage. The members here deserve the highest respect. They are rejected by many if not most people yet they hold to their testimonies. Plus, most ward member families are part member. Sorry for the random thoughts but my time is as usual, short. I love you all. The weather is cold but many have suffered much more for the cause of truth.
Elder Britsch
Happy Korean New Year! We spent the Korean holiday at a member’s house where we had a traditional soup and other food including eel. The teaching and proselyting standards in our mission have been raised. As for teaching, we have picked up many new investigators but not all are consistent. I'm still amazed at the intelligence of the people we teach. Many are attending the equivalent of Harvard for Korea. One of the women is studying American literature and history. I have been teaching her about Mormon history during our English time. I have actually learned a lot as I've looked for things to share with her. My appreciation for the pioneers has grown immensely. She respects their ability to endure the persecutions and hold to their convictions. It is noble. I am also amazed at home many people have read about the "Mormon exodus" during their college experience. The example of members and our history is well known. I have been studying the stories of Alma and the sons of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon. They are a fantastic example of missionary excellence. We are working on increasing the member missionary work in our ward. Please send me any ideas. The less active rate is well over 50% in Korea so we are trying to reactivate many less actives. I am discovering how much the Korean people need the gospel. Life is extremely competitive here. High school students will often study from 7am to 2am, plus Saturday school. The importance of titles makes it so that people feel of little worth unless they obtain a high title like professor or CEO. Plastic surgery is the highest in the world. People buy a couple of designer outfits and where them all the time so that they look rich and get respect. Most men cheat on their wives. The suicide rate is only second to Sweden. These people need the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior’s ultimate and unprejudiced love. The love for yourself that comes from the confidence of knowing life's purpose and your divine heritage. The members here deserve the highest respect. They are rejected by many if not most people yet they hold to their testimonies. Plus, most ward member families are part member. Sorry for the random thoughts but my time is as usual, short. I love you all. The weather is cold but many have suffered much more for the cause of truth.
Elder Britsch
Elder Britsch letter Jan. 22nd, 2009
Hey All, Jan. 22, 2009
THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR LETTERS! I really appreciate the spirit and love that they bring.I have felt a warm strong spirit overwhelm me as I hear about your lives. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends and family. The past two weeks have been very busy. Last Thurs. we had mission conference with our area president, Elder Evans, who is a member of the first quorum of the seventy. The whole day was very enriching. He told us repeated times that our mission president and his wife are the best in the world. He even said that they are one of the best in the history of the church. He said that our mission would be perfect even if no leaders ever visited Pres. Burton and our mission because Pres. Burton is so in tune with the spirit. I wholly agree. They are amazing people. During the last year we have had 4 apostles visit our mission – very rare anywhere, because they see it as a model for other places. Due to this, the number of missionaries in our mission will reduce by 2/3 over the next year. The mission will remain the same size but every missionary will just have to cover more ground and more people and work harder. Elder Evans and our mission president said that it is being done here because they feel we can still succeed with fewer numbers and missionaries are needed elsewhere. Elder Evans said that both he and the members of the 12 who have visited feel that the missionaries in our mission are as good as or better than the best in the world. It is great to have full trust and confidence in my leadership and the direction of our mission. In the past week I have been to the international health care clinic twice for a nasty Korean cold mixed with a sinus infection. The doctor lived in America and is fluent in English. I got some antibiotics on the first visit 10days ago. Today the doc. Said that it seems to be allergy related. She asked if I could be posted to another country that is warmer and less polluted. She suggested Ecuador of the top of her head. I laughed and said I didn’t want to leave Korea. She sat their and said god bless you because you will probably be sick the whole 2 years. She told be should could fax me allergy prescriptions to local pharmacies (If I make friends with the pharmacist) every 30days if I wanted. The whole thing was interesting. I will just have to endure to the end. I have grown to like my companion very much. He is a hard worker and very obedient. Living with 2 Koreans and working with one has been a great opportunity to learn about Korean culture from the inside. Love you all, I hope all is well. I pray for you all the time!
Love, Elder Britsch
THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR LETTERS! I really appreciate the spirit and love that they bring.I have felt a warm strong spirit overwhelm me as I hear about your lives. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends and family. The past two weeks have been very busy. Last Thurs. we had mission conference with our area president, Elder Evans, who is a member of the first quorum of the seventy. The whole day was very enriching. He told us repeated times that our mission president and his wife are the best in the world. He even said that they are one of the best in the history of the church. He said that our mission would be perfect even if no leaders ever visited Pres. Burton and our mission because Pres. Burton is so in tune with the spirit. I wholly agree. They are amazing people. During the last year we have had 4 apostles visit our mission – very rare anywhere, because they see it as a model for other places. Due to this, the number of missionaries in our mission will reduce by 2/3 over the next year. The mission will remain the same size but every missionary will just have to cover more ground and more people and work harder. Elder Evans and our mission president said that it is being done here because they feel we can still succeed with fewer numbers and missionaries are needed elsewhere. Elder Evans said that both he and the members of the 12 who have visited feel that the missionaries in our mission are as good as or better than the best in the world. It is great to have full trust and confidence in my leadership and the direction of our mission. In the past week I have been to the international health care clinic twice for a nasty Korean cold mixed with a sinus infection. The doctor lived in America and is fluent in English. I got some antibiotics on the first visit 10days ago. Today the doc. Said that it seems to be allergy related. She asked if I could be posted to another country that is warmer and less polluted. She suggested Ecuador of the top of her head. I laughed and said I didn’t want to leave Korea. She sat their and said god bless you because you will probably be sick the whole 2 years. She told be should could fax me allergy prescriptions to local pharmacies (If I make friends with the pharmacist) every 30days if I wanted. The whole thing was interesting. I will just have to endure to the end. I have grown to like my companion very much. He is a hard worker and very obedient. Living with 2 Koreans and working with one has been a great opportunity to learn about Korean culture from the inside. Love you all, I hope all is well. I pray for you all the time!
Love, Elder Britsch
Letter from Elder Britsch Jan. 7th, 2009
Dear Fam, Jan. 7th, 2009I'm happy to hear that you got my letters/cards. I hope Hunter's Birthday was awesome. I am so proud of him getting ready to receive the priesthood. He will be an awesome deacon. Yesterday I spoke to a 75yr old man who was investigating the church. We first met with him 3 weeks ago. He was looking at my name tag on the subway so I started talking to him. He was curious because his leader during the Korean war was an American who is a member. He remembered how the man did not drink coffee, tea, or beer like everyone else. He was impressed by his leader's self-control. So we met and taught him the first lesson and had he bought us lunch. So yesterday, he came with lots of questions about the priesthood. His family is catholic but he has not chosen a religion. I told him how young men at the age of 12 receive the priesthood if they are worthy. I told him my brother is becoming a deacon and will learn the responsibilites of the power to act in god's name. We talked about how in our church the local leaders are not payed. He really liked the organization of the church. He was fascinated by how our leaders are also family and business men. He said it seemed to be the way God would run his church. Although he liked everything we said and highly respects our faith, he said that had mostly wanted to brush-up on his English and was not ready to accept the "rules" of our religion. We explained that the commandents of our religion are from a modern prophet and that they make us more free. He said it made sense, but he liked drinking and would be rejected by his friends if he gave it up. He would not let go of the fact that we don't drink. He gave us some tips on how we could get more people to come to church - we should first serve traditional tea and coffee and then teach English and then drink beer and talk about our message. -Then we will build a relationship and they will listen to us. We desperately explained but he was not ready. We said good bye and in a sincere way he said he would call us when he is ready. I now want to bare testimony of the reality of the priesthood. The power to act in God's name is on the earth. It is a sacred and serious duty. I am impressed by the love and trust of a God that allows young men to exercise his power. The laying on of hands and the gift of this blessing is real. It is not a ceremony or just a routine. As I look into my testimony and as I evaluate my faith, I have often remembered the times in which I have received a priesthood blessing. I cannot doubt that these blessings. I know that god lives everytime I hear one. Sometimes the daily revelation which we receive can be difficult to discern. However, the spirit that speaks through a worthy and faithful priesthood holder is very clearly from god and not from the mind of a man. I have witnessed and been apart of too many of these instances to think that the words that are said purely coincidentally answer the questions of my heart or give me particular direction in my life. I know god lives and that he knows my thoughts, my concerns, my weaknesses, my strengths, and my capabilities. He knows me better than my dearest friends. He is my friend and he is my source of joy and comfort at all times and especially when my friends are far.I am so excited to hear about you experiences. Once again I found myself fighting back tears of joy as I read your account with the family. I am so impressed by the sacrifices that people are willing to make for their families well being. Setomi, after a long discussion, said that he will not be meeting with us anymore. He said just does doesn't know that god is real. I feel he felt the spirit and he had told me in the past that he has but he has many doubts. We did all we could. Some will choose liberty and eternal life and some will choose captivity. We will continue to be his friends and pray for him. I found my soul exhausted and my heart saddened at his loss. I must go but know that elder Lim and I are well. He is a great missionary. I am discovering a lot about the Korean culture. It is much more different than I thought. I pray for you every time I pray, countless times a day. Thank you for being so supportive and active. I love you all. Thank you for all the letters.
From the great land of Korea
Elder Britsch
From the great land of Korea
Elder Britsch
Elder Britsch letter Dec. 31st, 2008
Dear fam, Dec. 31st, 2008 How was New Years? I’m writing late b/c the community center was closed for New Years yesterday. My emotions have been all over as I’ve read your emails. I have been quite teary eyed reading about the family from Mexico. As soon as I read it the spirit hit me so hard. I’m having a hard time not crying right now as I type. What a wonderful experience. I have prayed and desired so much for our family to have an experience like that. I have felt it coming. Before I left I knew that a wonderful missionary experience was on its way for our family. I am so happy for you and the family. It amazes me how I can feel so much happiness for this family that I have never met. The spirit is so strong right now. That experience will always be a treasure in your memories. Record the experience for future reference and share it with others in the ward. You all are wonderful missionaries. I think often about how blessed a family we have. Every missionary that comes through our home ward should love to have the opportunity to have you all help teach. Our family is an example of gospel living and righteousness. I am so pleased to be apart of such a strong righteous family. I thank the Lord every night for our family. On the cold dark days my thoughts are turned to the most important things to me in this world. My family and my testimony. In such a difficult environment and faced with rejection I am forced to evaluate what I really believe. This work is either God’s work or we are crazy. There is no other option. I know it is God’s work. I know that the message I bring is one that can bring the happiness that I feel in my heart, at this very moment, to the hearts of others. So that their joy can be great. So that can feel of the saviors love for them on these cold frozen days. Imagine living with no knowledge of god. Without the comfort, direction, and purpose that comes through his gospel. Our lives would be meaningless. I’m sure I would float around finding glimpses of happiness here and there but I would not have the fullness of joy and the anchor of hope that only comes from a knowledge of truth and the revelations that are sent to help our lives. My new companion is named Elder Lim. His hometown is in our mission. He knows some of the people in our ward already – from youth activities. He is one of the unique missionaries who get to serve in their home mission. His family is literally 25mins away from our house but they cannot see each other. The control that both parties must have to maintain the rules is amazing. He speaks ok English and attended BYU-H for 1 yr. He is 25 years old. He just finished his military duty before coming on a mission. I’m trying to pick up on all the Korean I can. I am out of time.
I love you all.
Happy New Year.
Elder Britsch
I love you all.
Happy New Year.
Elder Britsch
Elder Britsch Letter Dec. 23rd, 2008
Dear Family, Dec. 23rd, 2008
Although this will reach you long after Christmas, I just wish to express my love for you and my Savior at this Christmas time.
My testimony of the Savior has grown in the past few weeks. The Christmas spirit is felt among the members despite the few decorations and little talk of it on the streets.
Last night I met with one of my investigators named Setomi – he is applying for college and is a genius. As we talked he told me that he saw the sincerity of our and the members hearts when he came to church on Sunday. He explained that he had attended many churches but never felt such conviction and real Christlike love from the members. He said that he wanted to have this same countenance and goodness in his heart. He desires to come to church every week but is afraid that he will not be perfect in his commitments and the commandments. (What a wonderful integrity that you express fear of not being true to your promise.) He said he wanted to promise his conviction knowing that he could live God’s gospel> We then read scriptures from the Book of Mormon about repentance, faith and the atonement from Alma, Mosiah and Moroni. Elder Wimmer then introduced the “Finding Faith in Christ” video. The spirit was strong throughout the video and it was a direct answer to his concerns. (Please watch the video during family night or on Sunday). Afterward, Elder Wimmer and a member who we had come to the lesson bore testimony. I also shared my testimony of Jesus Christ as our Savior. I did it in Korean and I was very helped by the Spirit.
Jesus Christ is our Savior. He died and lived for us. I am far from perfect but his mercy is great. He knows our suffering, our inadequacies, our pain, our grief, our stress, our depression, our loneliness, our success, and our joy. He knows our family. He cares for our hearts and will hold us in his arms, as his mother did to him at his birth. He is the Savior of a world of good and evil.
How great is His example of the fullness of love. There is no greater example. The more I see the hardships in my life and in others, the more I see the greatness of his atoning sacrifice. This life is about love. Caring for each other and loosing ourselves in the service of our God to our brothers and sisters is what life is all about. So many people are walking wavering paths and are searching for the path of light and truth that leads beyond the temporary pleasures of the world and into eternal joy of the next. Others have not even seen that there is a path that leads beyond this life. A path that can be walked with the guiding hand of the spirit and light of Christ’s love as our beacon.
I know that Jesus Christ loves everyone as his brothers and sisters. He wants to help us all and carry the weight on His back and lift us when we are weary> I strive to have this universal love and full understanding and love for all people.
I love you all so much. As my love for the Korean people grows, my love for my family also grows. I feel this because my understanding and appreciation for God’s plan is growing. Family is essential to God’s plan of happiness. Through families we can have greater happiness than we can through friends or through our own pursuits. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and my family.
Love,
McKay (Elder Britsch)
Although this will reach you long after Christmas, I just wish to express my love for you and my Savior at this Christmas time.
My testimony of the Savior has grown in the past few weeks. The Christmas spirit is felt among the members despite the few decorations and little talk of it on the streets.
Last night I met with one of my investigators named Setomi – he is applying for college and is a genius. As we talked he told me that he saw the sincerity of our and the members hearts when he came to church on Sunday. He explained that he had attended many churches but never felt such conviction and real Christlike love from the members. He said that he wanted to have this same countenance and goodness in his heart. He desires to come to church every week but is afraid that he will not be perfect in his commitments and the commandments. (What a wonderful integrity that you express fear of not being true to your promise.) He said he wanted to promise his conviction knowing that he could live God’s gospel> We then read scriptures from the Book of Mormon about repentance, faith and the atonement from Alma, Mosiah and Moroni. Elder Wimmer then introduced the “Finding Faith in Christ” video. The spirit was strong throughout the video and it was a direct answer to his concerns. (Please watch the video during family night or on Sunday). Afterward, Elder Wimmer and a member who we had come to the lesson bore testimony. I also shared my testimony of Jesus Christ as our Savior. I did it in Korean and I was very helped by the Spirit.
Jesus Christ is our Savior. He died and lived for us. I am far from perfect but his mercy is great. He knows our suffering, our inadequacies, our pain, our grief, our stress, our depression, our loneliness, our success, and our joy. He knows our family. He cares for our hearts and will hold us in his arms, as his mother did to him at his birth. He is the Savior of a world of good and evil.
How great is His example of the fullness of love. There is no greater example. The more I see the hardships in my life and in others, the more I see the greatness of his atoning sacrifice. This life is about love. Caring for each other and loosing ourselves in the service of our God to our brothers and sisters is what life is all about. So many people are walking wavering paths and are searching for the path of light and truth that leads beyond the temporary pleasures of the world and into eternal joy of the next. Others have not even seen that there is a path that leads beyond this life. A path that can be walked with the guiding hand of the spirit and light of Christ’s love as our beacon.
I know that Jesus Christ loves everyone as his brothers and sisters. He wants to help us all and carry the weight on His back and lift us when we are weary> I strive to have this universal love and full understanding and love for all people.
I love you all so much. As my love for the Korean people grows, my love for my family also grows. I feel this because my understanding and appreciation for God’s plan is growing. Family is essential to God’s plan of happiness. Through families we can have greater happiness than we can through friends or through our own pursuits. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and my family.
Love,
McKay (Elder Britsch)
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