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

The Easy Trail

Hey everybody! What a crazy week here!

     This week, it seems like we got a little bit of everything to say the least. This week we had an encounter with a drunk man who offered to give us all his money and gave us a bag of "pastry fish", girls filming me and my companion multiple times this week, and an elderly man peeing on the side of a building for the world to see. I wouldn't of believed the stories until I experienced em right??? Haha 

      Also, this week our missionary work just all of a sudden started to work out. We picked up a progressing investigator, and three new investigators.  We've been working soooo hard to find new investigators, and for some reason this week, everything seemed to work out. We have one man who has committed to attend church in a few weeks. He's afraid to be baptized because of what the world will think of him. The other three we'll meet with this week! Hopefully it works out, and it's in the Lord's plan for them to receive the gospel. Our prayers and faith are being answered.

      This last P-Day, me and my companion decided that we wanted to go hiking to the tallest peak we could find in Jinhae. So.... we did just that. We found the tallest peak, and starting from sea level, we began to hike. The hike was nothing like what I was compared to, but extremely difficult in the aspect. The hike was expected to take three hours, and knowing we were short on time, really began to push ourselves so we could get to the top.

The hike was hot, muggy, and hazy, but we hiked and about an hour and a half, we came to a fork in the trail. We were hot, super sweaty, and tired. Wondering which trail we should take, we found a sign. The one pointing to the left, in black sharpie, was labeled "Hard." The one pointing to the right was labeled, "Easy." Due to time, and how tired we were, we decided that we were going to take the easy trail, and in terms, "Choose the Right." So we began hiking what proved to be a very easy trail before extending up the grade and reaching the top of the mountain, which was over two thousand vertical feet from where we had started. The view was beautiful, and it reminded me a lot of home as I reached the top. After taking it in, we began to make the descent down the mountain, pushing ourselves to reach the bottom. In the hike that took two hours to reach the top, took only a short forty-five minutes to get down. In reaching the bottom my companion stopped and looked at me and said, "I'm glad we took the easy trail." 

      The easy trail in life is one that everyone can take in the path of discipleship in following Christ. We're all on our own personal ascent to the top of the mountain. We only have a short amount of time in this life to push ourselves, to work hard, and to climb to reach the top. On our hike, we're going to have forks in the trail, and we're going to know which is the easiest path to take. The easiest path will always be in following Christ's footsteps. He's marked the trail and set your own personal path for you to follow. Take the trail He's given you. Don't take the trail marked "hard" that will only slow you down in getting to the top. The hard trail is only covered with the hardships, trials, pains, and everything else that will be thrown at you. Follow Christ, and I promise that the trail will always be much easier. It's always going to be hard to get to the top, but as we forsake the things that slow us down, we'll all reach the top to where we can get that beautiful view.

      I'm coming to understand the path of Christ more and more with each passing day. I've never known the Savior so personally in my life. On my path to discipleship, I've chosen the hard trail sooo many times when I could have taken the easier way out. Christ walked the loneliest path so we wouldn't have to. His path was marked by trials that no one could bear, pains that no one could face, and by temptations that no one could handle. As we heed the simple words of the Savior, "Come follow me," we too can choose the path prepared for everyone one of us individually. 

      I love my Savior more than words can describe. I know He's there. Without His uplifting hand, I wouldn't be able to do this. I'm so grateful for Him and all that He does for me each and every single day. I'm continually grateful for the support you all give me. I love you all and appreciate you more than words can describe. Thank you so much for everything. Love you guys! Talk to ya'll next week! Can't wait!

Elder Roper

"To Lean On His"

Hey there everybody! So excited to talk to ya'll today!

          It's been a great week here! The work is as hard as ever, the language is still a mystery, and the food is still stuff I've never seen... but hey, what's not fun about that?? (; This week we've really tried to push our work but with no success. Nobody in our entire area has a single progressing investigator. However, we're working hard to find them. This week, we've been turned down hundreds of times, whether at the basketball court, or the street, and we even tracted down a fourteen story apartment building without a single person even letting us in. But hey, even the Savior was rejected. We'll keep trying and pushing, knowing there is somebody prepared for us here in Korea. 

          The topic of faith is one that's been heavy on my mind this week and I truthfully thought finding people to teach would be sooo much easier than this. This week I felt like my faith has been strong enough to find people and bring them to Christ. It seems like the harder we try, the harder it's seeming to get. Although, this week, I found I didn't quite have the faith that I thought I did. 

          In my life, I've made many good decisions to follow Jesus Christ. I've also made many mistakes as well. I have the faith to serve a mission in a foreign country, to trust His plan for me, and to even bear my own mortal pains of Gethsemane because I love my Savior. However, faith isn't something that comes in one piece. Although I have the faith to make decisions like that, I learned that I lack in other areas. As I fasted and prayed this week, I learned that I wasn't trusting in the Savior's will for me. I wasn't relying on Him as I should have. Truly, even as a missionary, I can honestly say I was doubting myself, and the work of my Savior because of my weaknesses. This week I learned so much of the opposite.

          Faith is a something that as the Savior states, can start out the size of a mustard seed. When nourished, it begins to grow until it reaches its full potential. Even if you only have a desire to believe, it begins to grow. Maybe it's the desire to be a better person, or maybe it's the desire to serve those you love. Possibly, it could be a desire to serve a mission. Or maybe, it could be just to say "I love you" to the people around you that you've been neglecting. We all have little desires in the depths of our hearts that we want to accomplish. For each of us, that's our own personal mustard seed. May we all plant the true desires of our hearts within us, and with something as simple as a desire to even want to do it... let it grow within you. As the desires of who you want to be begin to grow, your faith will magnify. Don't be like me, and doubt yourself or your lack of ability because you can't do something. Instead, take that desire of wanting to do it, and have the true faith to follow it. If you can't have the desire to follow your own faith or belief, then I invite you as Elder Holland once said, "To lean on His."

          I love this gospel. I've never known my Savior so personally in all my life. Through the tears, the smiles, the ups and downs of life as a missionary, I've learned that faith is the greatest attribute you can have. I don't have the strongest faith yet, but I have enough. Quoting the movie Charly again... "When in the toughest times, you faith won't abandon you." I know Christ lives and is the head of this church. He knows every single one of you personally and loves you more than you can ever begin to even possibly imagine. How grateful I am that He died, and sweat drops of blood for me in the Garden of Gethsemane. I testify of Jesus Christ, our Master, our Savior, and our Redeemer. 

          I love you all and can't thank you all enough for your love and support. I wouldn't be here without it I promise you that. From the sincerity of my heart thanks so much for everything. I love you all and can't wait to talk again next week!

Elder Roper

Just Like Christmas Day!

Hey everybody! So excited to talk to ya'll today!

       What a crazy week! Our week had very little missionary work as we spent most of the week cleaning our church, carpets, and the the "landscape" around the church. However, I finally got to watch General Conference a week late! It was weird knowing that it was being broadcast from half away around the world to me from my own home state. I sure missed the "hype" of General Conference in Utah. However, nothing can beat the joy of hearing our prophets speak as a missionary. It's just like Christmas Day.

       I loved General Conference. I can't express the feelings and thoughts that came to mind as I watched. I had tears come to my eyes as Elder Holland bore testimony of a mother's love because it made me realized how blessed I truly am to have the mother I do. I felt the sincere love of Elder Nelson and Elder Bednar as they talked of those close to them who have passed on. I felt the pure love of Christ as I listened to His special witnesses. It truly was a day I'll never forget. 

       As I listened to the sessions of General Conference, the theme of conference that I felt like stood out to me was becoming perfected through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Not just sins, but through our trials, our struggles, our weaknesses. I felt like it broadened the view of the atonement. Of Christ's eternal sacrifice for us. As a missionary, I've never felt so inadequate to teach others. As I sat there and listened to the messages, my view was broadened. Some days, I wake up and look at myself and think, "Elder Roper, you have so much to work on. How can you truly teach this gospel to other people?" I've been focusing on the negative in myself instead of realizing the positive. In conference, I learned that the Lord magnifies those He calls. He calls the weak and the simple to spread His message. What a comfort to me and everyone else. 

       Most importantly this week, I realized something that I've been searching for. At times, I struggle to forgive myself for my mistakes, and my imperfections. I have always strived to be perfect, and when I fall short, I struggle with myself. I've always thought that there was a "hole" in the atonement. For me, in particular. There is a hole. Well actually, there's seven. The first two, in the hands of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The hands that healed the sick, and raised the dead, and caused the blind to see. The hands that only did good and performed only miracles. Two in the wrist, so the nails wouldn't tear through the skin in His hands as He hung on the cross. Metaphorically to me, it symbolizes the extra support He gives us day in and day out to guide us and direct us through everything. That extra weight we need for our ever so heavy burdens. Two in the feet, where He stood as the only perfect man to ever walk this earth. The two feet where He stood as the light of the world, and continues to do so. Lastly, there's one hole in His side, where He was pierced by Roman soldiers, as the will of the Father was finished. Where His job was completed to overcome the world. Seven holes, one perfect man, so that every single one of us could be made WHOLE. There is no "hole" in the atonement... only the process of making us WHOLE.

       I needed this message this week as I watched General Conference. The messages are repeated over and over, but we need reminders that the gospel is truly so simple.What a blessing, and what a miracle it is to have living prophets who guide and direct us every single day. What a comfort.  I love this gospel. I'm so grateful that I'm a missionary in these latter days. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Only through this gospel can we truly experience the perfect happiness we all seek. I know Christ lives. He is the Son of God. He is the head of this church. He knows us all personally and hears our prayers. I testify of it with every single part of my soul. I love my Savior. I will never be able to give back enough for what I've been given.

       Thanks everyone for everything. The love, the support, the emails... everything. It truly means the world to me. I'm so grateful and words can't express my love for you all. Can't wait to write next. Love you all talk to ya'll soon!

Elder Roper

He Lives!

Another week down! My first transfer is officially over! So crazy!

Been another great week here half way across the world! Everything is starting to flow a lot smoother every single day! Besides the fact that I told our Ward Mission Leader that I hated him accidentally in Korean...whoops. Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes (; This week we've started to progress in the work a lot more, but we took a few steps back. We lost our first investigator for a month because he'll be studying for a major test here in Korea, and won't be playing basketball anymore. And well... he blocked our number (; we'll assume that's from the test though right?? (; However, we picked up a new investigator. He's an older man, English teacher, and has met with the missionaries previously. He really opened up to us and told us his life story and how he wants to attain greater faith like the missionaries. He told us how when he was young, he nearly drowned. However, he knew that God saved him, and he feels like he owes it to Heavenly Father to have more faith. So we're going to pray and hope that this man can attain greater faith through our lessons and testimonies. The man has the desire and know God lives. However, faith is an action.

This week I've learned soooo much about mistakes. What a topic right?? I learned that God loves a beginner. He loves to work with people who are willing to be reshaped, and reformed into something new. Also, I learned this week that Heavenly Father loves mistakes. We have a saying here in Korea about the language and it's, "The first one to 30,000 speaking mistakes will be fluent the fastest." Isn't that exactly right though?? In our lives, we all make mistakes. Some are simple, some are very complicated. Some are extremely easy to forget, and some haunt our lives. However, our Father in Heaven is sooo grateful for those who recognize mistakes, and learn from them. Like the Korean language, you have to make mistakes in order to get it right. The same works with our lives. We must make mistake after mistake until we can figure it out. At times, I've felt so down on myself with the language, or the culture, or my progress. Although, I've realized that God is grateful for a person who humbly recognizes their weaknesses in order to change. We must sincerely repent, or have a change of heart. Our Heavenly Father recognizes our efforts, and accepts all that we do. I know that He's happy with the progress we make no matter how long it takes. Every mistake is just a step in the right direction. 

I'm so grateful for Heavenly Father and his grace. We can all become perfected through Christ as we use His atonement, His example, and His mercy. I know that through Christ we can truly become the very best versions of ourselves possible. I'm in such a changing process here because I realize that there's so much I need to work on, and it's hard to comprehend. However, I know that I make mistakes, humble myself, and recommit, every day will be "one mistake closer" to who I want to be. May we all realize the love of Christ, and His true acceptance of who we are. I love my Savior more than words or feelings will be able to describe. I know with the entire sincerity of my heart, that He lives.

Thanks everyone for the constant love and support. I wouldn't be here without you. Next week, I'm looking forward to catching up on conference!!! We don't get it in Korea until it's been translated! Can't wait! Love you guys! Thanks again for everything it truly means the world to me. I wouldn't be anything without ya'll! Talk to ya soon!

Love, Elder Roper