Progress

Hey Everybody! Hope ya'll had a great Thanksgiving! That rice sure tasted good over here! (;

      This week was definitely a "downer week" with the missionary work. Our investigators won't progress, we can't seem to get new investigators, and it's been super hard. We've been working our guts out trying to get new investigators, but right now, it doesn't seem to be happening. As a missionary, it's sooo easy to get frustrated and wonder why people won't accept our message. The harder we work, it seems the less success we have. However, as we continue to walk down the path, we're continuing to grow, and we know that someone will come into our lives that's suppose to be there and are prepared.

      This week I've been thinking a lot about progress. How we can progress in our lives? It seems in missionary work that progress is minimal in yourself because you know how much you have to work on to be better.  It's a constant battle. I've learned that the battle of progress is with ourselves every single day. Battling within ourselves to become who we're constantly trying and wanting to be.

      Nearly two years ago I was diagnosed with a blood clot. At the time it had been by far the most difficult thing I'd ever faced. Now, looking back... it proved to be my greatest blessing. After having had four surgeries, being in ICU, and having my rib taken out, ( Don't be making any Adam and Eve jokes here either haha!) Sunday finally rolled around. I was exhausted to say the least. But even in the hospital, bed ridden, I learned a valuable lesson that day.

      A man came in unexpectedly and asked what religion we were. We responded we were LDS, and he went and grabbed a man who would come and bless, and pass the sacrament to us. The man came in and laid the bread and water at the foot of my bed, covering them both. We bowed our heads, and listened as the man began to utter the sacrament prayer. Being a priest, I quickly realized that a mistake had been made as he said it. The man, knowing he had made a mistake as well, offered a quick but sincere apology and began to start again. He said it flawlessly in which we were able to partake, and renew our covenants with our Heavenly Father. 

      Progress, is like a man messing up when blessing the sacrament. When it's not done exactly perfect, it has to be redone. We acknowledge our mistakes in our life all the time, and earnestly offer an apology before starting over again. Like the sacrament prayer, it doesn't matter how many times we have to say it, or how many times we mess up. All that matters is that when we do get it right, it's counted as perfect in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.

      In Korea I make sooo many mistakes. Whether it's the language, trying to be a good missionary, or simply not knowing what to do... I make a ton of mistakes! But,I have to remind myself that I get as many chances as I need when I'm sincerely trying to be the very best I can. No matter how long it takes, and when I do get it right, it will be counted as perfect. 

      I'm grateful that a missionary I get to experience this road of progression. Every single day is another day on the road of becoming like Christ. Despite my mistakes He's magnifying them to help me in every single way. I know the atonement is real and works as we earnestly and sincerely strive to progress. I know Christ lives and is the literal Son of God. He's always there. I'm grateful to be so close to a loving Father in Heaven at this time in my life. I know it's true.

      Thanks everyone! I miss and love you all! I'm continually grateful for the thoughts and all the prayers. I feel them each and every day. Love you all can't wait for next week!

Elder Roper

We Have Everything

Hey everybody! Another stinkin' week... already gone?!?

      It's Thanksgiving this week! Ahhh! Doesn't seem like it here... there ain't a turkey in sight (; But the thought and spirit of the holiday has weighed on my mind a lot since I won't be sharing it with my family. I've had my eyes opened to an entire new view of "Thanksgiving."

      A year before I left on my mission, I sat in the mountains near Ferron Reservoir with my Grandpa Dale. He's one of the greatest role models in my life. I truly love that man more than words can describe. As we sat in the late summer night, sitting beneath thousands of stars, talking about life, family, love, hunting, and everything that came into our minds, he said something that has stuck with me for over a year. As the conversation rolled into gratitude and appreciation, my Grandpa Dale simply said, "We don't have much, but we have everything." A lesson of a lifetime from a man I truly love. A lesson that I will always carry with me whenever I forget the small blessings that Heavenly Father has given me.   

      You guys all might realize that I don't talk a whole ton about the investigators I have. It's because I don't have many! (; But I'll tell you what... I've come to have such a great, and powerful love for every single one I do have. I'm so grateful that I have investigators to teach this gospel to. We only have one truly progressing investigator. I extended him a baptismal commitment yesterday and he says that he wants to be baptized, but he's scared of what people will think. This man has went through a lot of trial and struggle in his life, but his words ring clear to me despite his fears, and struggles in his life when he said, "Elder Roper, I'm grateful that God has sent you Elders to me. He knew that I needed you right now." 

      The gift of gratitude is of the noblest of virtues. It's something that's truly noble because it helps us to realize the hand of Christ in our lives. It helps us to realize that we have someone who is constantly guiding and directing our ways. That despite all the constant changes and hardships that comes in our lives, we can fill our hearts will gratitude. We show gratitude by following Christ, emulating His example, and obeying the teachings that He's given us. By doing so, we give Him the divine gift of gratitude. There will always be opposition, but when we choose to focus on the positive things, we see life as Christ would have us see. 

      I've had to learn gratitude in the mission field, and it's been so difficult at times. Instead of saying, "Dang, I only have rice to eat today," instead I say, "I'm glad I have this rice so generously offered by the members to feed us." Instead of saying, "Wow, I work hard and I have only one progressing investigator," I can say "Wow, I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has placed this man in my paths to teach." It's been sooo hard for me to do, but I've had to do it so I could see Christ's hand in my life in everything that I'm doing. 

      My Grandpa Dale's phrase has led to being grateful for all that I've been given. His lesson which helped me to progress has pushed me to know that, "We don't have much, but with God... we have everything." 

      I testify of Christ and His love for every single one of us. His hand is evident in our lives if we'll just simply look for it. In the spirit of "Thanksgiving", whether in Korea, or the United States, may we recognize the true spirit of gratitude in all that we do. By doing so, we open the door to Christ in our lives. I love my Savior more than words describe. I know He lives.

      I love you all and am sooo grateful for the support, love and help you give me. Thanks so much for everything. Love you all and can't wait to write next week! Talk to ya'll soon can't wait!

Elder Roper

Change

Hey everybody! Another week already gone by! Crazy right???

     Well... I have survived my first transfer in Korea. I've been assigned to stay in Jinhae with my new companion Elder Martin. Great man and I'm looking forward to serving with him. He's served in the Navy for four years, and is the oldest American in the mission. Going to enjoy looking up to his example for sure. 

     I've survived training here, and it's crazy to look back at all the things I've experienced in the last five months. I've learned more in the last five months than I ever thought I possibly could. If I could sum up training and everything that's been going on, and how I've improved, it would simply be in the word, "Change."

     The second I walked into the MTC it was like a slap in the face. Could I do this? Could I truly magnify this calling? Could I be a missionary? All these questions popped into my head of "Could I" or "What if." It's taken me nearly five months, but I feel like I've learned the true concept of the word change, and truly becoming what I need to be. At times for me, I've realized that in my hardest times that I would listen to that small voice from Satan that says, "If you're not perfect, you aren't good enough." Satan tempted Christ with the word "if", but he tempts us with the words, "if only." 

     I looked at the word change and thought I'm changing, and I'm trying to change but I feel like it's simply not good enough. I want to change but I can't. It was during that time I realized how selfish I was being and how I was only looking at myself. It's not a matter of change in this life, but simply becoming what Christ wants us to be. It's looking at ourselves as Christ would have us. I've realized that life is like climbing a mountain. Every single one of us is a different point in our own personal climb. As we hike up the mountain, the view becomes greater as we get higher, and higher. The view gets greater with each and every step we take. The only thing that can diminish our view is if we turn around and go back down. A song I remember from home I feel explains it perfectly. "There's always gonna be another mountain, I'm always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle, sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. It ain't about how fast I get there. It ain't about what's waiting on the other side... It's the climb." 

     The climb of becoming like Christ is the longest, and most difficult process. However, we have as long as it takes to do it. Christ is carrying our burdens each step, raising us to new heights with each passing day that we face. With each step, we change, and become not what we want, but what Christ wants. Some people like to think we're "human-doings" or even "human-beings." I think they're both a lie. Instead, with the help of Jesus Christ, we're human-becomings. 

     I've found myself becoming what I need to do as I've focused on others. Instead of focusing on what I want, or need, or how I struggle, I've turned outward. I've found myself begging forgiveness for my mistakes as often as I make them so Christ could strengthen me. I've found it simply through giving the little bit that I am to Jesus Christ. Because I've done that, He's carrying me to new and greater heights.

     I know Christ lives. I can say it without a doubt that He is my Savior. That He atoned for my many mistakes, and shed so many drops of blood for me. I know He was crucified because of the incredible love that He has for us all. I know He carries our burdens if we'll let Him. I love my Savior more than words will ever be able to comprehend. I'm grateful to be His servant in Korea, and the opportunity to spread my happiness and joy with others. I love this work.

     Thanks everybody for everything. I'm continually grateful for you all. I'm grateful for the constant support and love. I feel the prayers and love each and every day. Love you guys! Can't wait to talk here next week!

Elder Roper 

Find Your Happy Place

Hey everyone! Another week already gone! So crazy!

       So I'll start with a funny story that was a little awkward for me this week... I was riding the bus this week, sitting in my seat, when an old woman came onto the bus. I looked back and saw that all the seats were taken, so I got up so she could take my seat. I got up and grabbed the bar to stand there, and the old woman reaches out and grabs my butt! Not like a little tap, but grabbed me! I turned to my companion with what must of been huge eyes, and he simply looked at me, laughed, and said, "You better get used to it, that's how they say hello over here." Well... guess I'll take that for what it's worth right? Nothing like old women here in Korea (; 

      This week I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with another missionary. However, it was an extremely unique exchange. We were both TRAINEES. Together, we had been in Korea for less than four months. Somehow, we were supposed to spend the day together, teach, and testify with little language skill, and honestly, little confidence. However, we did it. We taught an entire family along the ocean together, and was able to teach a lesson to my bishop. We have little to offer, but try to give everything. Although both trainees, the spirit is strong when you have two young men who are away from home, relying on faith, and purely relying on Christ, together. This missionary expressed the struggles of a mission. How hard it was, and how at times he didn't think he could do this. I sat there and thought, "I've thought the exact same thing." We've both had times when we truly weren't happy. When we feel like there's no end to the struggles. But however, there's also days when we feel a joy that can't be described. 

       Early Friday morning we were getting into personal study. We had gone through the normal routines of exercise, getting ready, listened to music, and the normal routine of an everyday missionary. We sat down and went to bear testimony before personal study, and the young man said, "This morning as I listened to the music that was playing, I know that I've forgotten the basics." He mentioned the particular hymn, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," which is my favorite hymn. I thought about the words. I thought about my Savior. Like this young missionary, and like myself, we often forget the basics. That we have a loving, and guiding Father in Heaven who lives for us. Who lives to lift us when we're down, when we're depressed, when we struggle. What greater comfort can we receive than to know that "Our Redeemer Lives." 

        "Tys, find your happy place." I'd look up to my dad in the stands, where he'd give me the thumbs up. With that thumbs up, I received a feeling of confidence, a feeling of peace. I knew exactly what my happy place was. When I was in my happy place, I played athletics a lot better than if I wasn't. A simple phrase, given to me by a man I deeply love, and words that will forever last with me a lifetime. But what's the difference of a happy place when stepping on the pitcher's mound, the batter's box, a basketball court, and now... teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ half a world away. 

       When life got hard for me before my mission, I simply had to think of my dad's council. "Find your happy place, Tys." I hear his voice and see the look on his face as he gave me that sense of comfort and peace. Like my dad teaching his young son a true lesson of a lifetime, our Heavenly Father grants our happy place when we follow Him. All we have to do is follow the basics.  Always remember our Savior, follow Him, exemplify His example, strive to be better, and when we fall short, use His grace and infinite atonement. It may not be the temporary "happy place" I tried to find playing sports, but instead, it's the permanent and eternal happy place of abiding with our Savior. 

       I know He lives. I know my Savior, and I know that He knows everyone of us individually. I've never felt so loved in my life by my Savior. He's always been there, but it took me going back to the basics to realize that He's always been there. I know that as we turn to Him, we'll find our eternal happiness that is waiting for us. "Oh the joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives."

       I love you guys and can't wait to talk to ya'll next week. Thanks sooo much for everything. Love you guys! I have the best support!

Elder Roper

I'm Proud Of You

Hey everybody! 

     How'd your trick or treating go??? Here's how mine went... We'd ring the doorbell, they'd answer and we'd say, "We're the missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." They'd give us some disgusted look and tell us, "No." We knocked two hundred doors this week without any success.... and no candy (; However, we're continuing to work hard and try to find those prepared. We have three investigators, but none are quite over the hump of truly committing to the gospel. We'll get there though! Hard work brings miracles! 

      Back in February, I was sitting on a bus traveling to Grand High School for our final game of the basketball season. It was a game that if we won, we'd be region champions. If we lost, we'd fall down to as low as fourth. Being a crucial game, in a basketball season that was full of stress, and so many ups and downs for me, I received a text message on my phone. It was from my dad. The text read, "Tys, I know that this has been a hard experience and situation for you to be in. However, I want you to know that no matter what happens tonight, me and your mom are so proud of you and are grateful to have you as our son."

      Those comforting words from a parent are the best thing a kid can hear. Although I knew how proud they were, in a time of hardship, stress, and worry, the one thing that relieved and calmed me down were the words, "I'm proud of you." 

      Life as a missionary is the one of the most joyful things I've ever done. However, it's one of the hardest, and most stressful things I've done. I've never been so happy, yet so lonely. So exhausted, but so alive. So surrounded by love, but never so alone. Service is difficult at times because as a missionary, although I'm living the most Christ-like life I ever have, I feel so inadequate. Maybe it's because of my overly "I wanna be perfect" attitude that I've always had. I've always strived for pure perfection, and like everywhere else, I fall short in the mission field. However, this week as I pondered and prayed for answers, I finally received it. 

      The essence of life is summed up in one word. That word is change. God has never worked with perfect people, and doesn't expect us to be perfect in any way, shape, or form. Instead, He simply asks us to follow Him and be perfected through His infinite and perfect atonement. In the times where I think I need to be perfect, I realize that all Christ is asking me is to keep trying. He accepts every effort we give. It may not be our best effort, or maybe it might be every single thing we have. No matter what it is, He accepts it, because it's always one more step in the right direction. Christ walked along the shores of Galilee and said to Peter, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." As I read that scripture this week, I decided to interpret it differently. I read, "Follow me, and I will make you." The only thing Christ asks is that we follow Him. Something so simple, yet sooo difficult. He'll always accept every effort we give. It's said that we are "human-beings", but in reality we're truly "human-becomings." Through His perfect atonement, we can all truly have a change of heart, and strive to exemplify Christ more fully in our lives. 

      I love my parents, and I'm so grateful for their constant love and support of everything that I've ever done. They have the most perfect Christ-like love I could ever ask for. They've accepted and loved me through success, hardship, and trial. I remember that feeling in February when I heard the words, "Tys, I'm proud of you." In the mission field, I long for the day when I can sit at the Savior's feet and hope to hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant." I know that my Savior will too, love me through all my success, trial, and hardships as well. How great will be the joy that I will feel if I continue the process of change each and every day. 

      I'm grateful to be a missionary. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I know my Savior personally and feel His love each and every day. I know He lives and guides me, and every single person in this work. I'm grateful that through the atonement we can truly be perfected. I love my mission so much. Despite the ups and downs I experience each and every day, I get to experience a true change in myself and those around me. I know that as we change, and "let Christ make us" we'll truly all hear those desperately desired words, "My child, I am proud of you." 

      Thanks everybody for all the love, and support. I love you guys and truly have the greatest support in the world. Thanks for everything. Talk to ya'll here next week!

Elder Roper