Josh Mission Email June 1 2026: 我们斗是传教士 （we are all missionaries)
Nothing crazy to report this week, just classic missionary work. The work is going pretty well here, we’re busy with lessons and they’ve been going pretty well. The language is still a lot, but I’m getting to the point where I can follow the conversation’s topic even if I don’t know exactly what’s being said. I’m able to contribute some as well, and I’ve noticed I’m getting a little faster and have to think less about what I am saying. It’s really cool to see the progress, and I’m grateful that most of the people we talk to are patient with me while I try to get my point across.
I realized while thinking back on the emails I’ve sent that I don’t really talk about the work that much. My emails tend to focus on the out of the ordinary events or fun stories, which for sure make them more interesting but I wanted to share something different this week. This’ll kinda be a combined story/spiritual thought (🚨🔥).
Last week at one of the Asian Markets we met Mrs. Zhang. She was interested in coming to church and learning English with us. She had a busy week so we couldn’t meet with her and she couldn’t make it to english class, but last Sunday she came for just the last 30 minutes of Relief Society. We talked to her after church, and she told us she was grateful for the invite, but she didn’t want to go to a Chinese speaking church because she has had bad experiences in the past with the people there. She said she just wanted to go to an English service to try and practice because she doesn’t know English. One of our members Suzy heard this and as Mrs. Zhang was about to walk out, she came up and started talking about how this church is different and we’re like a family. They instantly hit it off, and they chatted for probably 20 minutes in the foyer all about it. They exchanged numbers and Suzy invited her to our game night on Tuesday. At some point on Monday, they called and Suzy was able to talk about all kinds of doctrinal stuff and clear up a ton of confusion. She came to game night, and had a good time. One of our new converts shared more about how the church works and his testimony. We had one of the best lessons of my mission with her on Saturday, we taught about the restoration and I was able to follow almost the entire thing. We called the same member that she talked to at game night, and he shared about his own personal conversion to our church. He also came from a different church, so his testimony about why our church is special and the light it brought into his life really clicked with her. Mrs. Zhang came to church again today and had a great time. Suzy introduced her to more people, and she’s excited to keep coming.
The moral of this story is pretty clear, but I’ll emphasise it again: WE NEED THE HELP OF MEMBERS. Three 19 year olds who are trying to figure out Chinese can get pretty far, don’t get me wrong. I’ve seen how the Lord is able to lead us to people that are ready to hear the word and communicate our message to their hearts even if our language isn’t eloquent or even correct. BUT, having members testify of their own experiences, answer questions effectively in the language, and be real friends has made all the difference for people who are really progressing. So to all of you back home, get involved with the missionaries! Get to know their friends, and try to be there for lessons or available to call in when you get the chance. The work is hastening all around us, and you can all be a part of it!
Love you guys,
Elder Banks
