Thursday, December 29, 2016

Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab!

(Elder Cummings)
Happy New Years!  That is what I have been saying all day long.  It is that time of year again.  The International Hmong New Years has made its way to Fresno.  Today I talked with members of the Hmong population who came from as far away as Laos to participate in the harvest festival celebration.

The approach we are taking this year is different.  We revamped the booth to make it more inviting, and people are loving it.  When people come off of the main field and into the booth, a much larger plurality are accepting missionary visits.  We also switched up the way we are distributing materials from a "come take everything, it is free" to a "tell us what you want, we will come by after the new years and give it to you."  The effect is definitely positive.  Across the board those who are signing up this year have more "real intent" as the scriptures put it.  We Hmong elders have been pondering and praying for a year as to how we can go for more.  The actual fruit of the revelation we received months ago is beginning to be seen.  We are pleased, and we know that the Lord is too.

Today was day one.  Six more to go.

In the zone right now we have a missionary who is unsure if he will be continuing his mission due to an ongoing battle with depression.  While reflecting on the situation this missionary was in, I gained some insight summarized very well in Psalms 90:12:

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

As this thought built up within me I came to a greater awareness of the brevity of my missionary service.  I applied wisdom and became more bold in my contacts, and the blessings of heaven were seen in our area.

I know that I have grown as I have served as a missionary.  I hadn't realized just how much until yesterday, Skyping home to my family (one of the two times a year I can do so).  I am excited to see what growth is yet to come.  I am certain that I will be taught at a more rapid pace as the days go by.

2016 has been a great year. 

Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab!


Elder Cummings

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