His Will

Hey everybody!!!

      What a crazy week here for sure. Seeing so many miracles each and every day. This week our investigators couldn't attend church do to the hectic schedules they have here. However, we now have five investigators. Two weeks ago we didn't have any. We're seeing so many miracles, and we're teaching quite a lot. Well, when people will listen to us at least (; God is working miracles in our area. Pray that we can help these investigators progress and grow closer towards baptism. It's hard, but not impossible (;

      Two years ago, the words echoed in my ears and I wasn't sure if I had heard correctly. The doctor then repeated them, confirming my fears. "Tyson, you're shoulder is done. If I were you, I wouldn't step on the mound again. It's a miracle you've even made it this far." I couldn't believe it. Me and my dad were utterly shocked to say the least. In my heart, I knew he was right due to the pain I had been experiencing for quite some time. However, the initial shock was hard. I had lived my baseball career on the pitcher's mound. I wanted to stay there.

      We left the office that day and my initial thought was, "Well, I guess that's it. I'm done." I'll never forget my dad simply saying as we walked back to the car that day. "I guess we'll just have to work a little harder to get that shoulder in shape then, right?" I remember thinking it wasn't possible, and that I didn't want to do it. However, I love my dad. I knew one of his greatest joys was seeing his only son on the pitcher's mound, following in his footsteps. Despite my lack of enthusiasm, I said, "Okay." I then started working my shoulder to get it back in shape, because I loved my dad, and I truly wanted to do the "will of my father" and do as he would have me do. I know that miracles do happen. Despite my lack of hope, and faith, and all I did to avoid it, my dad's motivation led me to come back, and eventually make my way back to the pitcher's mound, where I longed to be.

      As I love my dad, I love my Heavenly Father too. There are times when the odds are stacked against us in our lives, and voices that tell us we can't do this, or that. We're surrounded by them. But because we are willing to do the will of our Heavenly Father, we keep pushing forward. As Christ said in the Garden of Gethsemane. "Not my will, but thine be done," we must always realize that we're doing everything for a loving Heavenly Father who opens the gates for us to succeed, no matter how the odds are stacked against us. No matter what obstacles we face, it's His will, and because we love Him, we'll always keep going. I'm grateful that I get to follow His will each and every day.

      I love this work and I love being a missionary. Grateful to be in Korea at this time in my life. I know this is the Lord's work and the best thing we can be engaged in. I'm grateful for my Savior and His love that He so freely gives me to carry on each and every day. I love you all and appreciate you more than words will ever be able to describe. I have the best support and say thanks from the sincerity of my heart. Hope ya'll have a great week! Love ya'll!

Elder Roper