I've been out on the Island for a month now! It's gone by really slowly day by day, but the weeks go by so fast! It's amazing.

Yes, there is a big big hurricane in Taiwan, but Taipei's not seeing much of it, which is good. All we get is a little rain. We were called in yesterday right after church to stay in our apartments. But today they let us out. We'll see about tomorrow. I hear there's one in the US, too? I hope everyone's okay.

Yesterday we had a baptism for a lady named Grace Zhan. She was great -- she's been going to church for years, but she's never been baptized. And yet yesterday, she seemed so happy after she had performed the ordinance. She brings bread to all the missionaries, without fail, every week. And she always brings too much! We all love her, and her bread. She really is known around here for the lady who brings bread to church. I don't know where she gets it, but she's so willing to share and give of herself. She's a wonderful example.

We had so many meetings this week that it was hard to be productive missionary-wise. We had zone conference, district meetings, special training meeting, an English ward party, and so many other things taking our time. So number-wise it was hard, but I learned a lot. I"m ready to face next week with a brand new start. We've set a goal to get one new investigator per day, as opposed to the standard of 5 per week. Our "special training" was given by Elder Osgulthorpe, the Sunday School President. He talked about how a vision starts with the Leader, or the Mission President. Say maybe 400 new investigators. But then by adding other leaders, such as the Zone Leaders or the District leaders, that becomes more possible, and more likely. But it's only until you add every single person, including junior companions, can you reach a high goal. Elder Hubrich and I have also been talking about standard setting. And how we can't take the set standard to make our goals, but rather, we take faith and confidence and we make those are goals. Like in track, it was considered humanly impossible to break a 4 minute mile. But there was one man who finally worked hard enough to break it. Soon after, there were hundreds of people that flooded the sub-4 minute mark. And now under 4 minutes is the professional standard for mile running.

So this week, we're trying it. We're taking something that seems less possible, and testing it with full confidence. We're going to forget the standards, and start to fly. I know this week I'll see miracles. I'm ready to do everything it takes to reach my goals.

This past week we had a zone conference, in which our district did a musical number for it. I am so lucky to have my viola here -- I'm really bad now, but it's a big blessing to be able to play it. I really miss sharing my testimony and heart through music. I hope I'll be able to do it more in the future. We sang a medley of "I believe in Christ" and "There is a Green Hill Far Away." We found at that we can play the beginning and ending phrases of both hymns together at the same time and it makes a really nice harmony, so that's what we did. We had two groups sing both hymns at the same time. I don't know how it sounded in the audience, but I thought it was cool.

Right now I'm trying to improve most on contacting -- talking to random people to share the gospel. And it's hard! It's hard to rely on the Spirit to know what to do and say. It's hard to discern their needs right then and there. But I know that this is a learning process. I might not be very good at it right now, but I'll be improving day by day. I know by the end of the mission, I'll be miles ahead of where I was here. I'm grateful that I have the knowledge that the message really can help anyone no matter what their life is like.

So yes, last week I had a picture wearing a vest doing service. That was...an interesting use of time. It's called the "Clean up the World" Project, sponsored by 7-11 (oh yeah, they're really really big here). It's just a project to get to try to clean up Taiwan. The thing we went to was a 3 hour pep rally. Afterwhich we just cleaned gum off the floor of the metro station for 15 minutes and then were done. We were all a little frustrated that we didn't really do much for 3 hours, but I think we made a good impact on the people around us.

Right now we have some pretty amazing investigators. There are so many people here that are willing to seek truth and to live by it -- or at least give it a try. And I am really humbled by their willingness every time someone accepts a commitment. I always think, "whoa...they'll do it just like that? Just because we wanted them to?" They have such amazing faith, and they don't even know it yet. I"m blessed to be in Taiwan.

I love you!
-Elder Liu

P.S. Thank you all for your emails. They have really helped me.

Week 10

Hello, everyone!

The mission is going great! This week we've seen wonderful things! But first, some announcements:\

The rule in our mission is actually that everyone can email me! Yes, that includes you. But then the rule also says that I can't respond via email, but rather I have to write you. This way a full reply only takes 2 weeks rather than 3. But you can still write me, and then email me. That's okay, too.

It's been really really hot this past week. There hasn't been much rain at all, and so the heat has just been building. But gang1 hao3, we've been having a lot of lessons recently, so we've been inside the church most of the time. We haven't really been contacting as much.
So for Chinese study, we have 3 phases. The first phase is only Gospel terms. The second is every terms. And the third is reading and writing characters in the Book of Mormon. So I'm on the first phase, in the second lesson, which is all about the Plan of Salvation. Usually people get through all three phases in around a year. It's been hard to focus only on doctrine stuff when I still need to communicate with everyone everyday. But I know that there's power in this system, and it's inspired.
In our district we've been studying about how to use the Prayer of Faith, and how to increase our faith with prayers, as well as praying with more gratitude in our prayers. I would encourage everyone to find/use more prayer tools in their everyday life. They give more purpose and meaning to our prayers. And the Lord will bless us for striving to do better at keeping His Commandments. Preach My Gospel has an awesome list in Chapter 4 about the Spirit. I'll write how that goes next week.

This week we got a bunch of golden people. First we have Jerry, which Elder Hubrich found contacting. When they first met, and Elder Hubrich said he could really get an answer to prayer he was amazed. He was blown away by the fact that God really does listen, and He will respond to our humble prayers. Sometimes it's relearning the power of the simple things that gives us the greates encouragement and testimony-building experience. It's wonderful to see people marvel over the smallest principles that I've lived with all my life. I am truly grateful that I've had the Gospel as a child.
Another golden set are a couple that love religion. They feel that every religion has their good points, and so they wanted to know about ours. Right off, they wanted to know about the Plan of Salvation. They were intrigued about our emphasis on families. They were impressed that even our littlest kids are dressed up like missionaries, running around the church, preparing to one day serve as a missionary of the Lord. We had a lesson with them the night after we met them, and went to church the next day. They're always loaded with questions. They've been prepared so well for our message.

I recently ate at my Aunt Si4gu1gu1's house. We are Er4gu1gu1 as well, and her husband. Her husband isn't a member, so we were hoping that we could spark some interest, maybe. But anyway, we just went over (wow! I still remembered a lot of it! Some very good memories) and we had lunch. We then shared one scripture each and why we liked it. I shared 2 Nephi 4:27-30, and how because Nephi makes the Lord his support, we don't have to fear our weaknesses, our enemies, or our inadequacies. I've always loved this scripture, because it shows that our sorrow really can be swollowed up in the Joy of Christ.

I've been thinking recently about how in the scriptures, Christ says that to be His disciple, we need to carry our own cross. (I'm sorry, I really want to give a reference, but I don't know one now) And I've been wondering what my cross has been. My life has been so smooth -- so normal. Nothing bad has really happened. No sacrifices really needed to be made. So what is my cross? Is it serving for two years? That doesn't seem to bad either...I don't know. But I'll think about it this week. What have I done for the Lord that makes me qualify for His discipleship? Maybe everyone can send me their story? I would love to hear it. What makes you a disciple of Jesus Christ? What is your cross?

I hope everyone's lives are going great! If so, I want to hear it! And if not, I still want to hear it! I'm praying for every one of you. Thank you for being there for me.

I love you,
-Elder Liu

Week 9

These week has been crazy. Sorry if you're expecting a letter back from me – Since I've gotten to Taiwan, it's been hard to figure out exactly how mail here works. I've gotten some stamps now and should have them for sure sent out by today.

This week has been filled with miracles. I got my first 3 investigators. My first one was someone named Lin2 Zi5 Fa1. I just met him by a convenience store. He had 3 bottles of wine next to him, but he was very willing to talk to me. I introduced myself, and just talked a little. We ended up saying a prayer, and after, he said, “...Could you say another one so I can stop drinking?” Oh yeah. No problem. So I said one, and he really appreciated it. We're going to meet with him on Wednesday for the first time. He seems to be really willing and ready to learn. I'm excited. I know the Lord has blessed me with success. I think I feel so much more fire now that I have someone that seems...mine, in a sense. Someone that I've worked with from ground zero, instead of a bunch of people I'm just meeting.

Although people here have been amazing. For example, a lady in my ward named Cielo is from the Philippines. She works for a famous artist named Chen..something. I forgot his full name. But he's even met the Pope. We got to help move his enormous pictures for our service. I wish I had some pictures to send, but maybe next time. But in return he gave us some of his books. He's really good – I was very lucky to have met him.

Cielo also brought us to a place called Din Tai Fung. I think it's a Japanese restaurant, but it's really big here. There's always a huge line to get in. They serve dumplings, baozi's, and other delectables. It was awesome.

So a thing I've noticed is that I'm famous around here. I guess Dad, Jonathan, Mom, si4 gu1gu1 Kyleen, and Jay are just too amazing. I've already gotten countless number of “Wait, you're related to _______, aren't you?” And you know what? I used to just get kind of annoyed, because no one knows me as me – It's always by someone else. But I have really learned to appreciate that. I can now proudly say yes, I am related to them. I guess what was the change? I guess I figured that that's all I do out here. I represent the Savior. In fact, we all do. And I am so proud to represent someone who is amazing. I am proud when people look at me, and see someone else that has brought them joy. This was my small epiphany. Small, but powerful.

This week we get to tune pianos! Yes, that's right. There's an senior elder, Elder Hahn, that tunes pianos and teaches piano as his calling. He said he was sad that his profession might die with him, and so Elder Hubrich said that we would learn how to tune from him, and he gladly accepted. He tunes by ear, and so it's way hard, but it'll be way good!
It's rained here quite a lot, and I don't have real rain gear yet. I had a rain jacket, but that's it. So we were biking with soaking pants and shoes. But it was great. I think the Lord blessed me with the ability to not care when I don't need to, which I'm actually really grateful for. I know if it were a vacation or something, I'd definitely be murmuring.

So yes, it's been great. There have been occasional bad days, where nothing happens, and no one accepts our message. But I know that it's a test of our patience and faith.

Jia1 you2, everyone! I love you!

-Elder Liu

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil -- for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff; they comfort me.

Week 8

Hey! Sorry for the late email. Today is our temple day, so our Preparation day always changes to match our temple day.

It has been great out here. It's been a little hard adjusting to noise all the time, with cars everywhere, and sweating all the time. But it's not too bad. I know that I've been blessed to already be half fluent in Chinese. I can already talk to most people with little understanding issues.
（A Peanut Butter burger? It was pretty good.）

This last Thursday was simple amazing. We had a good 3 hours to contact people on the street, and we were probably teaching 90% of the time, which is really good. Everyone was willing to listen, and we taught a lot about the gospel. There was even a lady who poured out her soul to us. We were simply just talking, and she started talking about her life story, and her trials. But she was Christian, so she had faith that God really would help her in her trials. She started crying, and then suddenly went into a prayer. Wow. The Lord really prepared her for us to meet her. As she left, she said that she didn't know why she shared her story, because she usually keeps those things to herself, but there was something special about us. She didn't really set up to take more lessons, but hopefully we planted a seed that will stay with her.
(Elder Liu and Aunt 四姑姑）

The day after that was just plain hard. No one listened. No one even wanted to talk to me, let alone be taught by me. But I think it was for a few reasons. One, we got up late that morning. The Lord appreciates exactness in His commandments. So by slacking on our responsibilities, the Lord was a little hesitant to give us his spirit. And also, because of the success I had the day before, I think the Lord was testing my faith, and building my trust in Him. I learned that I really have a lot to improve on, and I need to rely so much more on the Savior.

I think the hardest part since I've been out here is to try to listen to the Spirit. One of my favorite talks by Elder Bednar is when he says if you're deciding whether it's your or the Spirit, to quit worrying about it. He says just be a good boy, and a good girl, keep your covenants, do what you're supposed to, and the Spirit will guide you. And while I like that principle, sometimes it's hard. We've always being taught "Without the Spirit, you can't teach. They need to feel the Spirit. The Spirit is everything." And while I know that's true, it's hard to know if I'm really following it or not. But I know through more experiences I'll learn to recognize the Spirit more effectively and strongly.

It was recently Father's Day here in Taiwan -- August 8th, which in Chinese is "ba1 ba1" which is very similar to the word for dad, which is "ba4 ba5". I got a kick out of that. It's a very meaningful pun. We Americans need to step it up with our holiday times.

We had a recent convert fireside about Marriage. A professor from BYU talked about how marriages makes you make more money, become more healthy, and makes you live longer. In fact, not being married is worse for your health than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. It was a very good fireside, and I think it was really what the people in Taiwan needed to hear. A lot of them needed to hear that families are still ordained of God, and so blessings will definitely come by raising a righteous family. I'm very grateful to have been born of goodly parents. And we all have. I'm grateful that the Lord can show His love to us through our families and our friends.

Good luck to all! Jia1 You2!

-Elder Liu

Week 7 - First email from Taiwan!

Hey, just so everyone knows, I got here very safe and sound.

The trip was great! 24 hours of travel time actually seemed pretty fast. On my first plane to Detroit, I talked to this methodist missionary named Cosme, originally from the Phillipeans . He is awesome. He's very open to new ideas. I shared the first lesson with him and left him a Book of Mormon. We also switched emails and he said he wanted me to write an article for a self-run internet publication describing me as a Mormon missionary. I talked to my Mission President, President Grimley about it, and he said they would check whether or not I could. I think that would be a wonderful opportunity.

Taiwan is amazing! I remember a lot from 5 years ago since I was here, but there's still a lot to get used to. I guess I'd thought about it before, I never realized I'd be in mega-busy urban town, with cars everywhere.

My very first day we had Orientation with the mission office, the Mission President and his wife, and the Assistances to the President. We just talked about how everything would work around here. We ran to the ChenKaiShek Memorial for our excercise. We ate out at wonderful vendors. We had fruit sandwiches and other breakfast sandwiches. Oh yeah. The food I can definitely get used to.
At the end of my first day, we had 2 hours of contacting. My temporary companion was Elder White, who has been out about a year. It was only then when I realized, "oh....this is what I'm doing for 2 years." And it was hard -- we never practiced contacting in the MTC, so I never knew what to say. But through listening and observing I was able to try it myself. Elder White also had me Dan Jones for a bit. Dan Jonesing is....interesting. The motto around here is to talk to everyone. But this isn't the way I'd normally think of it. It's when you stand up and just preach to everyone, like they did in the olden days, and just preach the gospel. But of course we made it modernized and did it with a megaphone. They said they don't do it very often, but it helps you break out of your comfort zone. So I did it for about 5 minutes. Oh yes. Welcome to Taiwan.

I think the hardest thing for me has been contacting. I'm usually not one to go out and talk to random people, especially if they don't like me, and I can't even understand them sometimes. But it's not my work -- it's the Lord's. Sometimes the Lord requires things of us that will stretch us. In fact, he always will. That's His purpose; making us grow and become better people is why we're on Earth. But I've gotten the hang of it a little. I was reading in 2 Nephi chapter....13? I'm not sure, but it described how the Jews were the only people that would kill our Lord, Jesus Christ. Others would have seen the miracles and repented. But since this had to be done, the Lord was sent to the Jews. But it just testified to me that some people, no matter how well I teach or represent the Savior, will still not accept me or my message. But some people will see the miracles and repent. And my job is to find those that will soften their hards.
The next day was also some orientation. We went to the dedicatory prayer site of Taiwan, where the island of Taiwan was dedicated for missionary work. We offered our own prayers to the Lord for our dedication for our missions to bring souls to Him.

I think it's been hard to let the Spirit really guide me, because I'm just afraid that I won't completely understand them or that I'll disturb traffic or whatever excuse I have. But now that I've gotten more used to it, I feel I can listen more intently to really find those that are ready.

I've met so many people I know here. I ran into Matt Seibert on day 2. He's doing really well, and his Chinese is really awesome, too. I also have seen Sister Van duren, Wai Gong and Wai Po (grandparents), Si4 Gu1gu1 (my aunt), and the Chen's, who came to our house one time in Utah. I've been blessed to be able to see so many people I know. I know that the Lord provided that comfort and support for me here.

I've been assigned to the JinHua Area, which is right where the mission home, temple, church, and distribution center is. It is also the area where my grandparents and aunt go to church. I'm also in charge of the English ward of our mission, so we go to two sacrament meetings.

My companion is amazing. His name is Elder Hubrich (Hughbrick). He's from Kaysville, UT. He was in the Davis Marching band on the trombone, and he's going into physics at USU. He's been out a year now, and is really a great person. I also have a second companion, Elder Li, who is leaving today to his transfer area. He's from Taichung. He's such a great guy, a bit silly and exaggurated at times, but it helps me be a little more relaxed and comfortable. I'll send pictures of them next week.

On Saturday I attended my first Baptism here! It was for an 82 year old man who was just amazing. He bore his testimony to us after he was baptized, and you could tell he was prepared. He bore his testimony in Chinglish -- I mean true Chinglish. Every other word switched languages. There was a couple caucasian missionaries that don't speak Chinese, and I'm sure they got a kick out of it. He talked about becoming a new man, even at a good age of 82. It was truly a blessing to see the fruits of our labors so quickly after getting here.

Each day is so tiring, but I know the Lord is sustaining my body. Each night I just plop on my bed and I"m out until the next morning. The work is hard, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Best of luck to all. My next letter should be a bit better organized.

Love,
-Elder Liu

Elder Liu's Mission Address

Write him letters and he'll try to write you back!

Elder Justin K Liu
Taiwan Taipei Mission
Floor 4, No. 24, Lane 183
Jin Hua Street, Da-An District, Taipei
Taiwan

Week 5

Hey everyone! This week has gone by sooo fast. At first I didn't believe it, but it seems like I've been here for months, but yet only days. That doesn't make too much sense...but it does to me.

So I have been changed schedules, but not branches. I'm still in the international branch. There is probably more racial diversity than I've seen within these few weeks than I have in my whole life. It's great! It's great to see so many people from so many different places, all wanting to serve the Lord.
I got my travel plans. I'll be going to LA=>Taiwan on the 26th of July. The Elder Slawson, the elder who is also going to Taiwan in my branch, didn't get his visa in time, so I'll be the only one going to Taipei. There will be 2 other elders going on my plane, but then to Taichung.

Thank you all for your letters. Every single one helps me a lot. It's great to see how everyone is doing. I also get very well chosen snacks. :D Thanks.

Anyway, this week's fireside was great. We had a talk by W. Blake Sonne and his wife. He's part of the presidency of the MTC. Sister Sonne talked about how Heavenly Father always has His eye on you, how we don't have to worry about what happens, because He is always guiding those who trusts Him. (Hey, Consider the Lilies is playing here in the laundry room. Those lyrics almost go exactly with my last sentance.)
Brother Sonne talked for most of the time. His talked was centered around The scripture in Helaman 10:4-5, where it tells that Nephi, the son of Helaman, has great power, and why he is given that power. He is mighty in word, deed, faith, and works. And this is because of his obedience, asking the Lord's will, not seeking his own life, and not fearing the people. I hope I can strive to be able to strengthen those attributes in my own self. I think I can do better at trusting in myself less than trusting the Lord. Although I take time to pray morning and night, for meals and study sessions, for devotionals and meetings, I still feel like I don't spend enough time listening to the Spirit in my daily life. I feel like once I pray, I just get up and do whatever I want. I need to remember that the Lord promises to tell us all things we should do.

This past week we learned how to make a language study plan. It's been hard, but I've been trying to learn ten words a day, reviewing often and moving on. I think it's working. I feel that I can express myself better as I teach people (not lessons) and to get around easier. Sometimes personal study gets frustrating -- I just want to focus on the language, because I feel that that is what I need -- that's what's keeping me from more success. But I know that building my personal testimony will do so much more. By building my own testimony, the Spirit can then witness to anything I say, and that's the most important part.

For Prep days we play piano and sing. I love my district. They all love praising the Lord through song and through sharing their testimony. We've come so close, and it's hard to leave them just next week. An elder from Taiwan, Elder Chu, already left last week, and we've all missed him already. I know these will be friendships that last forever -- especially since most of them will end up at BYU or somewhere around here.

Thank you all, again, for your support. I am really grateful for each letter and present you give me. I feel so blessed.

Best of luck,

-Elder Liu