Weeks 56 and 57 - August 24, 2015

Family!

Hope all is well!  Sounds like everyone had a great week!  MOM AND DAD, 23 years!! WHOOOAAA that's big time!  Congrats on the big anniversary!  That's amazing.  I love my parents, and I am so grateful for each thing that you taught me to prepare me for this eternal journey of happiness.  When times are rough or even when things are going great, I apply the simple things that I was taught from my youth and every time I have seemed to find success.  I love you!

This week was great.  Found some great people but before I explain a little more about them, I want to talk about transfers.  My Yoseuong,  유성 experience is coming to an end.  I am so grateful for the experiences I obtained from my four transfers here in my second area.  I learned countless lessons and I met countless people whom I will remember throughout my life.  The Lord sent people in my path to help me at different times here in this land.  I have a big testimony that the Lord will send you those people who will build you up and who will help you will specific needs that we might have in our lives.  The Lord sent people to me to help build me up and make me a sharper instrument in His hands.

(Yoseuong District)

(This is the Bishop's family in Yoseuong.  They have nine kids!  Elder Johnson is going to miss this crazy, cute bunch of kids!  Elder Holden and Elder Johnson are in the front.)

(Elder Johnson says:  "One of my closest friends.  Jimmy Primero")

(Missionaries at the Stake President's Home with his family.)

 (On to his next area:  OnYang)

I will be transferring to a bigger branch in a place that is called, OnYang.. 온양.  I will be serving with an Elder named Elder Boombasi.  He is from Philippians.  I have never met him, but I hear great things and I hear that they have about five people prepared to receive baptism.  President called me today after transfer calls and told me he is sending me there to help out with baptisms.  If they get about 10 more baptisms, they will be a ward.  I have a big responsibility and I will do everything I can with an attitude of gratitude and helping there.  I know that with the help of the Lord, I will and can accomplish anything I set my mind to.  I will rely on Him and do everything through Him.  I am really focusing on expanding my knowledge of the Savior Jesus Christ.  I love Him and I have come to know a little bit of the role He plays in my life everyday of my mission. 

Saying good bye to everyone will be hard.  I love these members and each of the people we are meeting with.  They have changed me in many ways. 

Our investigator that moved to Seoul came back down to Daejeon this week.  It was great to meet with him.  He was one of the first people I met here in this area.  He explained to me that the desire of his heart is to be baptized.  I am praying for him very strongly, and I really think he will be baptized in a few months.  He told me that he doesn't have anyone who loves him in his life like we do as missionaries.  I feel a very close bond with him and I pray he is baptized here in the future.

I love the Lord and I love this work. 

I love you,

Elder Cole Thomas Johnson

Week 55 - August 10, 2015

Elder Johnson sent the pictures below for all of us to get a feel of a day in the life of a missionary in Korea.

 

 

 (Some friends Elder Johnson met on the street.)

(Elder Johnson along with his current companion, Elder Holden.

Elder Young is, also, seen in the picture.)

 (Elder Johnson along with Elder Woo)

 (Missionaries spend many hours studying, teaching, and doing service work.  In addition, they make new friends of the many missionaries they live and work with.)

Meanwhile, back home, Elder Johnson's younger brother, Luke, is participating in baptismal work at the Draper Temple, along with his friend, Kade.  Even at this young age, he is preparing for his mission that will come to him some day!

Week 54 - August 3, 2015

Family!

How are you!?  I still can't believe it has been over a year!  So crazy!  I hope all is well, and I hope Ty has a good birthday this week!  Wish I was there to spend it with you guys, but next year at this time, we will probably be in Korea for it!  YEAHHH BABBY! hah  Also, I met and was able to help a French family this week.  I met them on the street and I was able to help them go to their destination.  I felt like I got a small piece of Ty hah!  Also, Elder Holden speaks a little bit of French, so it was cool.  I wanted to like pull my phone out and  call you and ask you how to speak French hah, because I wanted to communicate with them but then I realized I couldn't.... haha.

Anyway, this week I have read a few conference talks, and I have read them with a prayerful heart asking the Lord which ones I needed to share with my family.  I hope that as you read these each individually, you feel the Spirit of the Lord strengthening our relationship as I am out here serving our Savior. 

Dad:  Priesthood and Personal Prayer.  Henry B. Eyring

Mom:  Parents:  The Prime Gospel Teachers of their Children.  Tad R. Callister

Tyler:  Stay by the Tree.  Kevin W. Pearson

Me:  Approaching the Throne with Confidence.  Jorg Klebingat

Izzy:  The Gift of Grace.  Elder Uchdorf

Luke J:  I Know These Things of Myself.  Craig C. Christensen.

If you feel the spirit testifying a truth of the gospel as you read these, please share it with me.  I love you guys!

Miracle Story:  So this week as we were meeting with our investigator that I talked about a few weeks ago (who owns the restaurant), it was about 4:50 in the afternoon and we had another important appointment at 5, about 15 minutes away that we had lined up with a member.  This appointment was with three people who are very diligent in attending the Baptist church.  One of them has a very keen knowledge of the Bible.  Anyway, we kept trying to end our lesson with our previous appointment, but it just kept on going and going pushing our time closer and closer.  As the appointment ended, we sprinted out the door and ran to the main street (meanwhile, it's blazing hot).  Well, on the way, I was praying my heart out for a taxi.  (Three weeks before, we stood in the same spot waiting for a taxi for over 30 minutes.. and the subway station is tooo far..)  So as I was praying and praying, we sprinted across the street to find no taxi.... Kept praying and praying... Praying and Praying.. finally about two minutes later.. (now 4:52) I turned around and a TAXI was right behind us.  I could see no taxis for miles and as we turned around, there was one right behind us!  Well it gets a lot better! Hah  As we jumped in the Taxi, I said to the taxi driver, "Whoaa, what a miracle!  We have been praying our heart out for someone to come quick because we have another really important appointment!  

LONG story short, the taxi driver was like, "As I was coming down the street, I wanted to go right... but I had this thought that there wouldn't be anyone down the right street who would need a taxi.. so I kept going straight.. Then all of a sudden, out of the blue, I had a feeling I needed to flip a U turn and I know if I did there would be people who needed a ride.  As he acted on that random feeling to randomly flip a U turn on a really busy street, he was able to answer our prayers.  I know that the Lord knows us missionaries and works through others to answer our prayers.  As we continued talking to that man, he said he doesn't believe in God, but I know we planted a seed in his heart and allowed him to consider the existence of a being that can give us more help than we can ask for, who knows us more than we can comprehend, and who loves us each with a perfect love.  

I don't have much time, but my heart has been softened from the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I wanted to expound on this question but because of time I can't.  I want everyone who reads this email to really consider this question, "When was the last time you got down on your knees and thanked the Lord for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?"

This week I have come to understand a little bit more of the truthfulness of this Gospel.  I am eternally grateful for it.  I am eternally grateful for all that our Savior did and does for us as well as my heart is full of gratitude for all that Joseph Smith, the young prophet, did to restore this truth.  I invite all to be thankful for this gospel and go about sharing it. 

I haven't born my testimony in an email in awhile and  this week I wanted to simply do so, 

There is not another book out there that testifies of the Savior, Jesus Christ, like the Book of Mormon does.  It is real. It is true and I know that with all that I am or all that I ever will be. Jesus Christ Lives.  He is my Savior and understands my weakness and errors.  He knows my heart.  I have come to know a little more this week of the asuredy that this is the true church upon this earth.  It is the Savior's who stands at its head, arming us "with righteousness and with the Power of God in great glory.") 1Ne 14:14 

I am grateful for it.  I am blessed to live and share it.  I love my mission and am eternally grateful for each blessing I have obtained thus far.  Alma 37;36-37 is becoming a part of me. 

I love you.  Have a great week!

Elder Cole Thomas Johnson

Trust(ing) in the Source. P.A.C.E.

Week 53 - July 27, 2015

Family!

How was you week?  Everyone sounds good! 

This week was super good.  Had a lot of miracles and were able to meet some new investigators.

One of our investigators we found was from a church in Korea that is a big cult.  When you first meet them, they don't tell you what church they are from because they try to keep it a secret, but when we met this kid around my age this week, he told us he was from this particular church.  Anyway we were able to set a lesson up with one of our members and all this student wanted to do was fight through the Bible.  We explained to him that we are here out of love and sharing the message of the  Restored Gospel.  After about 30 minutes of our member talking with him, I had a prompting from the Spirit and I followed it.  I simply asked him if he has ever knelt down in prayer and asked our all-knowing source, our Heavenly Father, if what he was saying was true.  He tried changing the subject many times but finally he admitted that he hasn't.  If it is one testimony that I have gained on my mission, it is that God does hear and WILL answer our prayers.

Last week in Elder Copeland's letter, he talked about noticing little miracles.  I wanted to add to a little bit of what he said and share a little something I have done with my companions throughout the last six months of my mission.  I learned this from a companion when I was younger, named Elder Oehler.  Each and every day when we come home to plan for the next day as we finish up our stats, we write down one miracle we saw that day.  As I have done this, I have really been able to recognize the Lord's hand in my life.  It has been one year and I can't help but be so grateful to the Lord for each and every blessing He has granted me thus far.  I am blessed beyond my knowledge, and I am so grateful for my mission.  My mission will and is teaching me how I will endure in this Gospel throughout the rest of my life.  I am grateful.

I also finished reading all of the Book of Mormon this week and my testimony of it has been strengthened.  I know that it is God's word.  It has brought me so much happiness, and I am so grateful to share from it every day.  I have a testimony that through following its teachings and through diligent study, we can obtain the Spirit. 

The weather here is crazy.  It's either pouring rain and blazing hot with the humidity just a million degrees or the sun is out and its still a million degrees hahah. 

I want to share a scripture that reminded me of something Dad shared with me last week.  It is in the Bible 1 John 4:7.  In simplicity it says, "God Is Love."

I am grateful for the Love of God.  It heals hearts, changes lives and makes us better people!

I love you guys, sorry not a lot of time this week. 

Love,

Elder Cole Thomas Johnson

P.A.C.E. Trust(ing) in the Source.

Elder Johnson Meets a Special New Friend from Nicaragua

(Elder Johnson was thrilled to meet a man from Nicaragua where one of his best friends, Elder Copeland, is serving his mission at this time.  Both he and Elder Copeland had their farewells together on the same day and both left for their missions the same day, so to find someone in Korea that was from Nicaragua was really thrilling for Elder Johnson.  He instantly felt a connection.  Here is how he explained it:)

NICARAGUA GUY!

 I had the feeling that I should go talk to a guy that I saw on the street, but I ignored the feeling.  But then, I went over to talk to him and ahhhhh!  I was so pumped when I found out he was from Guatemala!  I had a few pictures of Elder Copeland and I and told him all about Elder Copeland.  I had a few of Elder Copeland's e-mails and some pictures of places that he has been.  This guy said that he lived very close by where Elder Copeland has served.  I am going to meet him again in a week.  Soooo cool!

 

 

Weeks 51 and 52 - July 13 and 20, 2015

Family!

A new start.  A new beginning.  A new transfer. 

For about the last three weeks the words, "TRUST IN THE SOURCE," have been flowing though my mind.  Each and every thought ties back to those four words.  I have thought a lot about how I will step up this transfer by applying those words in my daily missionary work.

STEPPING UPWARD CELESTIALLY.

I have recently found myself asking the question that Enos asked the Lord,

"Lord, How is it done?"

As we study the prophet Ether's words, we can know.

..."By FAITH all things are fulfilled."

In order for us to step up Celestially, we must deepen our knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

In this last conference, Elder Teixeira explains it perfectly, "A deeper understanding of Jesus Christ will give us greater hope for the future, and despite our imperfections, more confidence in achieving our righteous goals.  This will also grant us a greater desire to serve our fellowman."

When we deepen our knowledge of Him, we trust in Him.  We rely on the Source.

As we step up celestially we must, 

1. Seek the Lord. 

In 3 Ne 12 when Christ appears in the Americas, he give an invitation to His people.  To us. He says, v3. "Come unto me." 

v2. "See me, and know that I am.

v1. "See me, and know that I am. 

Although we can't see the Savior, we must follow Him and His teachings.  We must Seek Him and His will and by doing so, we can "see" Him in our own way.  We will find, though, our testimonies will be strengthened as we seek a deeper knowledge of Him and His atonement. 

I have noticed a pattern throughout my mission. After every spiritual experience, there is always a test of our TESTimony.  If our TESTimonies weren't TESTED, there would be no progression and therefore we could not deepen our knowledge of Him. 

2. Rely on the Lord.

As I thought about relying on the Lord, I came to realize that we must first live as HE does. Coming to know Him requires an enduring effort on our part and an ongoing will to constantly seek to do better.  I am slowly coming to understand that, "Perfect Love casteth out Fear."

We can find comfort in D&C 6:36:  "Look unto me in every thought, Doubt not, Fear not.

3. Look to the Lord. 

In high school, I wore a wristband that said, EYES UP.  DO THE WORK.  I have noticed that as missionaries, we do a great amount of walking.  I have found myself hanging my head some days and looking at the ground.  When we keep our eyes up and "look to God and live," we show faith that we are trusting in the Source and deepening our Knowledge of Him.

Elder Cole Thomas Johnson

P.A.C.E. 

Week 50 - July 6, 2015

FAMILY,

Sounds like you had such an amazing week!

First of all I just want to say Happy Birthday to the most amazing Momma in the world.  Mom, I can't express the amount of love I have for you.  I am grateful for all you do for me, and I am so lucky to have been raised by you.  You have taught me so much about life and how to be successful.  You are the most selfless person I know, and I am so grateful to be your son. I love love love you, Mom, and miss you everyday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  I can't believe you're 30!!!!!!!!! ㅎㅎㅎㅎ 

Secondly, I want to express how proud I am of IZZZZY!  Holy amazing Iz.  I am so proud of all your hard work you've done.  MY SIS IS FAMOUS.

 (Elder Johnson's sister, Izzy, who performs in a group that was the opening group for Journey at the "Stadium of Fire" in Provo, Utah, on July 4th.)

Haha Iz  I am so so proud of you and it's a bummer I couldn't be there, but I can feel your spirit and I know that you are blessing others' lives though your amazing talents.  IZ, I AM SO SO PROUD TO BE YOUR BROTHER.  I love and miss all you guys so much.  I hope all is well and I hope you had a great week! 

 

 (Elder Johnson and Elder Woo)

This week as I was reading in the scriptures I came across a part that I want to share with you. 

The Lord is asking the brother of Jared a question and I think we all can l learn something from this question. 

 23  And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared:  What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?

As I read this verse of scripture, the Spirit taught me something that I won't forget.  The Lord is asking us here, "What are you going to do in order for I (the Lord) to help you in your efforts in accomplishing the things that I have commanded you?  

What are you going to do in order for I (the Lord) to help you in your day to day efforts?

What are you going to do in order for I (the Lord) to grant you your blessings?

I was able to learn great things from this passage and I have a testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon. It is the Word of God. I am grateful for the chance to share about it every day!

I don't have a lot of time but I love you and pray for you everyday. 

Love Elder Cole Thomas Johnson