I Know

Hey everyone!!!! Guess what?!? Merry Christmas! Holy cow I can't believe it's already that time!

      This week was just another typical week. We've been working our guts out trying to find and teach. We've been teaching more lessons than we ever have, spreading the message of Christ this Christmas season, but have had very little luck. We know that we're planting seeds, and as we can keep doing so, we'll find those who are prepared. We'll keep working and know that someone will accept the gospel!

      With Christmas in only four days, my mind is strictly on teaching and testifying of Jesus Christ. This is the best time to be a missionary and give witness of Christ and how He truly is the gift. It's been the hardest Christmas, but so incredible as I feel, for the first time in my life, I'm centered on Jesus Christ. I haven't always been like this though.

      A few years ago, I reluctantly agreed to go on our Stake Youth Conference. I had never been to one, and truthfully, I didn't even really want to go. My sister had just left on her mission, we had just been sealed as a family, and I felt so in tune with the spirit. Even then, I didn't want to go. However, thankful to church leaders, they convinced me to go, and I had an experience that truly changed my perspective of Jesus Christ.

      I walked into the Visitor's Center in Salt Lake City, and beheld the statue of Jesus Christ standing before me. It's truly breathtaking. I thought it was pretty cool, but I didn't understand it. It wasn't until an older man came up the ramp and entered into the room, being pushed in a wheelchair, and came right next to me. The man looked at the statue in awe, and began to weep. I looked at the man thinking, "Why are you crying? There's nothing to cry about here?" It got me thinking of the question, "Why do people cry when they think of the Savior?" Nearly three years later, I realize that the man sitting beside me knew Jesus Christ. He knew of His sacrifice, His love, and His mercy. I didn't. I simply knew of Jesus Christ, but I didn't know Him as I do now.

      I've went through three phrases in my life to get to where I am right now. The first phase is "No." I don't want to go to church, I don't want to go to seminary, I don't want to go to young men's. No, no, no. I had very little to do with the gospel. I knew it was right, but wouldn't act on the knowledge I had. Finally, as a sophomore, when my family was sealed, I baptized my younger sister, and sent Whit off to Peru, my phase then turned to, "Please Father, let me know." I needed to know if it was true. I began to read, to study, and to ponder the gospel. I read the Book of Mormon, and knew it was the word of God. The gospel began to grow within my heart. One thing led to another, and I built, precept upon precept, until somehow, I found myself here in Korea when the phase instantly turned to, "I Know." It took me years to come to know this gospel is true, and it all started with an older man, weeping at the feet of Jesus Christ. Like that man, I now can't think of my Savior without wanting to weep.

      This Christmas, I pray that we'll all come to know Jesus Christ. One day, we'll all stand before our Savior, and metaphorically, stand at the feet of that same statue in Salt Lake City. When that day comes, I will kneel at the feet of my Savior, and wet His feet with my tears. I will not know any more surely then, than I do now, that Jesus is the Christ. He is the literal Son of God who paid the price for each one of us. How grateful I am that this Christmas, I finally know Jesus Christ.

      I'm so grateful to be a missionary in Korea at this time. I'm so happy to be serving. Despite this Christmas not really being Christmas at all, I've come to love each and every day. It's truly such a blessing and opportunity of a lifetime that I cherish.

      I love all of you. I've received so many emails and letters and I can't thank you enough! I have the greatest support and I'm truly blessed with such incredible people in my life. The power behind me from home is felt each and every day and I'm eternally grateful for every single one of you. I wish you all a Merry Christmas! I love you all and will never be able to thank you enough.

Elder Roper

Following Footsteps

Hey everybody! Where are the days going?!?

     It's almost Christmas I can't believe it! The days are flying by, and the spirit of Christ grows stronger by the day as Christmas grows closer. I have no snow, no cold weather, lights, or a tree, but boy is this month so special to me. What a gift to give to Christ as a missionary, and more importantly, what a gift He's given me for this opportunity.

     "Tyson, your little sister acts just like you when you were a little kid. She even looks exactly like you!" I had heard it over, and over again. At times, I never believed it. However, looking at it now, I realize that my little sister Haidyn is exactly like me. 

     Last week as my mom told me that my little sister had joined her first traveling basketball team. I remember doing the exact same thing over ten years ago as I was given the opportunity. I shed tears when my mom said that Haid got to choose her number, and that she chose number twenty-four. My high school basketball number. Tears came to my eyes as she followed my example as an athlete. No less, I began to weep when my mom said she will play her first game at Orem High School next week, the place where I played one of my very last high school basketball games only ten months ago. I was touched that out of everyone, she chose to follow me. I'm so grateful for her and for everything she's done for me, and the spiritual giant she's becoming, even at ten years old. What a blessing she is to me. It's safe to say that although at times I wouldn't recommend it, my little sister is following exactly in my footsteps.

     This life is about following the path which has been set for us. As my little sister has began to follow my example, (for some insane reason) we have to follow Christ's example. As a young kid, I did all I could to live up to my parent's example, my sisters, grandparents, and everyone else around me. It was all about following those who I looked up to. Each example has led me to follow the pure example of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This life is about having one set of footprints in our sand. We can't take our own path, but must walk, hand in hand with our Savior, down the one path that's already been foreordained for us. 

     My little sister's example of choosing number twenty-four made me think of the "game" that we're playing in this life of following Jesus Christ. Not only do we have to wear the same uniform as Christ when we play on His team, but we have to play on the same court, and within the same boundaries that He has set for us. In the mission field, I don't have the name Emery written across my chest. Instead, I have the name Jesus Christ upon my chest. May we all take upon us the name of Christ, and play on the same court in which He has played. Follow His example, and become as He is. I pray that this Christmas season, we will have only one set of footprints in our sand... well, I guess in your case, the snow. (; Personally to my little sister Haidyn... Thank you for teaching me this lesson. I love you, I miss you more than words will even describe, and I am so proud of the spiritual growth you are making each and every day. Words can't describe what you mean to me. 

     I love my Savior and I love this Christmas season. It's sooo much different than anything I've ever done, but so incredible to be revolved around Christ. What a blessing. I know this Christmas season we can give everything we have to Christ. I know He lives. He is the King of Kings, The Prince of Peace, and our Redeemer. May we always follow and exemplify Him. So grateful to be a missionary serving Him.

     I love you all. Words can't describe the love I have for every single bit of support I get. It means the world. Thanks for everything everybody! Love you guys talk to ya'll soon! Can't wait!

Elder Roper

The "B Word"

Hey everybody! Another week already flown on by??

      What a crazy week here in Korea! A week full of miracles, of disappointments, and everything in between. Our week started off with miracles unlike anything we imagined. We prayed for faith, for miracles, and for blessings to come our way. We prayed, and fasted, just hoping somebody would be put into our paths. This week we had an experience that we prayed for somebody to teach, and found a man not even thirty seconds after. We found a man who committed to come to church after having only talked to him for two or three minutes... but he didn't show.  There were miracles all around Jinhae this week. It's all according to our faith, believing that Jesus Christ can and will do what's according to HIS will.

      This week I can honestly say that I received my first "broken heart" of the mission field. The experience that everybody seems to talk about in the mission field finally happened to me. We've been teaching a man for nearly two months. I've seen this man grow sooo much in the gospel. His life has started to change, and I've seen his light shine with the gospel. This week, knowing he could be ready for baptism, we extended our second commitment to him to be baptized. We taught him in such a strong spirit, and the spirit led us to baptism. In his life, he's experienced divorce, nearly drowned, he's lost his kids, and he's now living alone, all in the hopes of finding what his life is about. As the spirit prompted me to ask the big "B Word", I waited for his response. He waited for a minute before saying, "Elder Roper... I want to be baptized. I want to join your church. I want to be a member, and I want to live the gospel... But I can't. There are too many things I'll lose if I get baptized. I hope you can understand." 

      My first instinct was to ask ,"Why?" You know the gospel in true, yet you won't take the steps and do what Christ asks. I wanted to start throwing scriptures at him of having no fears, no doubts, and only believing. I wanted to tell him that he was making a mistake and that he had to baptized. That he needed it more than anything. Instead, with a heart full of love towards this man who I've so diligently taught, testified, prayed, and fasted for, I simply said, "Yes... I understand." 

      In my mission, I've had to learn that some things are out of my control. I wish I could baptize every single person I've met, or teach every person I passed by. But instead, I've had to leave it to a loving Heavenly Father. I've learned to stop asking the question "why" and start asking "how". Instead of why aren't things working out, how can I have a greater faith to fulfill your plan for me as a missionary. It's been hard, but I know that Christ's plan is greater than mine is, for both me, and my investigators. 

      Despite the hard working demands of a mission, the stress of bringing people joy, and everything in between, I can say that right now I have such a love for missionary work. More than I ever have. I've tasted what it's like to care for investigators, to testify of the perfect love of Jesus Christ. To know that He's with me every single step of the way. I know He's there for me each and every second, guiding my path. May we all learn to ask the question, "How can we submit to your will," instead of asking Father, "Why won't your will fit to mine?" 

      I know Jesus Christ lives. This Christmas season is so different right now, but it's filled with Jesus Christ half a world away. It's been incredible to feel the spirit of Christmas as I've taught and testified. I know He loves us more than we can comprehend. How grateful I am that I have a loving Father in Heaven. This Christmas we can give Him just a little bit more. We can give Him all we can, and know that He'll love every effort we're making. I love my Savior more than words will ever be able to describe.

      Thanks everyone! Love you all I'm so grateful for all the support I get out here. I wouldn't be able to do this without your help. From the sincerity of my heart I say thanks. I love you all! Thanks again, can't wait  to talk again next week!

Elder Roper

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