I'm 20?, I'm Staying in Tainan, and Tender Mercies of the Lord

大家好。

This week was pretty awesome. We have seen lots of miracles this past week. And I will start off by thanking you all for the birthday wishes. It made my day very special!

謝謝你們給我一個很快樂的生日！

So yeah, this last week, I officially turned 20 years old. Seems kind of crazy. My 20th anniversary of life. And it definitely was a special day. Started off by going to a delicious beef noodle store for lunch. Then, we had heard the day previous that there was going to be some kind of "If China invaded Taiwan" drill, in which no one could be on the road for like a half hour, so we had to go to the chapel after that. Well, to my utter surprise, the Sisters (bless their hearts) had bought this delicious strawberry cake and we had a mini 30-minute party with the district. It was so much fun! Man, both districts I've been in my past 2 birthdays have been WAY too good to me. Sometimes I wonder how they find out though. I try not to tell anybody. But then I remember that my mother adds ALL of my Taiwanese friends on Facebook, including other missionaries! And then I also remembered that Sister Kwong is still on island right now, and that she was in my district my first birthday on island, and that the Sister she trained is now in my current district. So, the point is, it was pretty hard to hide this time. And that night, we went to Costco with the FHE group again, where they surprised me with another cake, more singing, and a wonderful conclusion to my birthday. Thanks to all of you for making it such a wonderful day. (And, shoutout to my son, whose birthday is this coming week! Love ya Elder Park!)

Well, in other news, we got the mini-movecall yesterday, and it turns out I will be staying in Tainan for a little while longer! I am so stoked! Get to hang out with my good friends for just a little bit longer! And, we got a new Zone Leader. My good friend Elder Crockett, who moved to Tainan with me at the same time, was our zone leader for the past 3 movecalls. Well, come to find out that our new Zone Leader is none other than my MTC companion Elder Quist!!! I WAS SO EXCITED TO FIND THAT OUT! It feels like an eternity since I've seen him. And now, I will more than likely get the chance to go on exchanges with him! I am so happy to have that chance. I served with him in the very beginning, and now I will get to serve him near the latter part of the mission, at least in some degrees. But yeah, long live Tainan! The land of milk and honey!

Lastly, this week we were able to see a ton of miracles. I think the biggest one was the long-anticipated confirmation of our friend Eric. We had gone to find him a few days before, and he had told us that he probably wouldn't be able to come to church until like the end of May or June. That had us worried because if he wasn't confirmed within a month of his baptism, he would have to be rebaptized. But, he received a priesthood blessing in which he was promised that he would have means of coming to church that very next Sunday! It was so powerful. And then, we called him a day or two later to followup with him, and he told us that he had received permission from his supervisor to reschedule his work time so that he could come to church! He came, all three hours! And then I had the wonderful privilege of confirming him (because English.). And then, right after church, he had an interview with Bishop Yeh to receive the priesthood. He passed, and he will receive the Aaronic Priesthood next week as a Priest! We were both so overjoyed! It was definitely one of the Lord's tender mercies in our lives, and in his life. We are so excited to see him so happy. 

Anyways, that is about it for this week. Thanks again for the birthday wishes! I hope all of you have a fantastic week as well. Love you all! Talk to you very soon! The work goes on.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷仕鈞長老

In Memory of Elder David Smith Hampton April 12, 2016

On Tuesday, April 12, President Blickenstaff received the phone call that every mission president fears. He was informed that one of his missionaries, Elder Hampton, had been hit by a car and seriously injured. Being a physician, from the description of Elder Hampton's condition, President Blickenstaff knew it did not sound favorable. About an hour later, we were notified that Elder Hampton was not going to survive.

I received a similar phone call 14 years ago informing me that my three-year-old daughter had been hit by a car and was gone. It was almost the same scenario. Instantaneous. Our dear baby Courtney returned to a loving Heavenly Father, worthy of the greatest gift of all, that of eternal life. You cannot want these precious ones back on the earth, because they are promised everything the Father has, even celestial glory. With Elder Hampton's passing, I was reminded of the scripture found in D&C 122:9, “Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not . . . for God shall be with you forever and ever.” I did not need to worry for Elder Hampton, neither could I want him back.

Although I have shed many tears since, I did not cry in the Changhua Christian Hospital emergency room that night, perhaps for the same reason I did not cry in the emergency room over a decade ago. Because I knew in my heart on both nights that God has a plan. It is beautiful. It is merciful. It is centered in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which makes everything right. It turns the most painful of all pains, the loss of a loved one, into a gift that is wonderful and amazing. Something, over time, you can be happy about and look upon as a blessing. Something, with the assurance of the Comforter, you can be at peace with. Something, with the veil so thin at times, you can know is true without a shadow of a doubt, because loved ones continue to watch over you from above.

Members, missionaries, and friends were at the hospital to comfort Elder Hampton's companion (Elder Noah Quist who was also Elder Millett's MTC companion). Although I'm sure he was shocked, I could feel he was at peace. He was Elder Hampton's trainer. They had been safe. They had been obedient. They loved each other. They worked hard together. They loved being representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ and they loved laboring in His vineyard.
We soon met the driver of the vehicle. He and his wife were heartbroken. They expressed their sorrows and shed uncontrollable tears. We reassured them that Elder Hampton was in a better place, and that families could be eternal. Elder Hampton's companion was able to share the message of the Restored Gospel with them. We hope that through learning about the Plan of Salvation and prayer, they too will be healed through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Two days after the accident, they came to the chapel where we were conducting interviews for Elder Hampton's zone. I had been conducting devotionals with all the missionaries to help them understand the circumstances behind the accident, and to show them the KSL news broadcast wherein Brother and Sister Hampton share their unwavering faith and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This Taiwanese couple, in their grief, were comforted in hearing that the Hamptons were concerned for them and their well being.

We have all felt the many prayers in our behalf, from people all around the world, sustain us during this sacred time. We have had the strength to comfort our missionaries and to minister to the Hamptons. We have witnessed many miracles and our faith in Christ's Plan of Salvation has been made even stronger through this experience. We are so grateful for the enduring faith of the Hampton family, that has brought us much comfort. Listen to their testimonies anchored in Christ: https://www.ksl.com/?sid=39299281

We are grateful to have served with Elder Hampton. We are grateful that he loved his mission and was happily engaged in the recent charge to all missionaries worldwide, to 'Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts." We are grateful that he strived every day to be a better missionary. We are grateful that at the end of each day, Elder Hampton wrote a brief, uplifting  journal entry and ended it with the words, "Be good OK! Love your mission!"

On the following weekend, the investigator that Elder Hampton and his companion were teaching
entered the waters of baptism:

In reflection, Elder Hampton's companion (Elder Noah Quist)

wrote:
My life changed on Tuesday when my companion passed away after being struck by a car on the way to the church. That night was a tough experience for me. However, I have been able to pray and receive priesthood blessings that have helped me to overcome and find peace through this trial.
At first I was very shaken up. However, as I began to reflect on my purpose as a missionary and on the Plan of Salvation, I came to see this experience not so much as a tragedy, but as a blessing that has strengthened my own testimony in the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have felt the power of His Atonement and also the power of all your prayers over this last week. Because of these things, I have been able to press forward.

I spent a day in Taichung after the accident in order to help with some of the legal matters. I also spent the day resting and reflecting on what had happened. Then on Thursday I headed back out to Zhang Hua. I am currently serving with the other ward's elders, but we are also covering some investigators from my own ward. Although it seemed a little fast to get back to the work..I know Elder Hampton cared just as much for these investigators as I did, so I know he would have preferred me getting right back to work. I especially had to go back to prepare for a baptism for...our investigator, which...ended up going great. The spirit was so strong throughout the entire service. I had a special feeling throughout the entire baptism, and I knew missionaries from both sides of the veil were present. I reflected on how as one person I knew and loved ended their mortal discipleship of Jesus Christ, someone else I knew and loved had just began theirs.

We rest assured that Elder Hampton is still in the service of the Lord as a missionary, only in a different realm, anxiously engaged in this great work of salvation!

Happy 20th Birthday Elder Millett

Happy Birthday from Tainan, Taiwan!

So thankful that Elder Millett was able to celebrate his birthday surrounded by friends! And hey, shouldn't everyone celebrate at least one birthday in Costco! And that cake.....YUMMY!

The New District, Miracles, and a Fallen Soldier

大家好!

I hope that your week has been wonderful. Sorry for the short email last week.  Quite a lot of things have happened in this past week, some of which I'm sure you're very aware. So, let's get to it.

So, we have a new district! Yup, we have been a district for like 2 weeks now, and I haven't really had a chance to introduce them. So, here we go. Our new district is bigger than before. The 4th Ward opened up into a 4-man apartment again, so they have two sets of Elders, making our district 8-missionaries strong! I am the oldest member of the district here now, having been here for 3 movecalls as of next Monday! Crazy! Doesn't feel like I've been here that long at all. But I will probably be getting ready to move soon, even as soon as this next Monday, the mini-movecall. But we will have to see. And then Sister Robertson got a new companion, Sister Lemon, who was trained by Sister Kwong from my MTC district. Wow, I am starting to feel really old! But the 4th ward Elders include, Elder Lauti and his trainee Elder Zavala, and Elder Sng from Texas and Elder Wang, a Taiwanese Elder. Here is a picture.

Fun group!

Well, this week, even amongst Elder Starkweather getting over a pretty serious cold, we have been able to see some miracles. The Baptism we had a couple weeks ago, Eric, stopped answering our calls and replying to our texts after he was baptized. At first we thought it was because he was just busy, but then after like 10 days or so, we started to worry. We went and visited his home one night and no one was there. Then we went by the next night, and we finally caught up with Eric to see if he was ok. He kept apologizing for not answering our calls or replying to texts. His work had randomly sent him and some of the other workers to HuaLian, an area on the East side of Taiwan. He was super super busy over there and had just gotten back the day we visited him. He told us he will be back to his regular work schedule, so we will get to meet with him regularly again. He should be able to come to church this next week to get confirmed. But he is still doing good. And then we saw all kinds of little miracles too, just lots of people willing to talk to us and stuff, so it wasn't too bad. 

Well, as I'm sure you're all aware, an Elder in our mission was killed this past week in a car accident. He fell over on his bike and was hit by the car behind him. He hadn't been in Taiwan for very long, he was still in training. But, in response to some questions I've received from people, yes, he was with my MTC companion, Elder Quist. I can't tell you how we missionaries have all felt the past week since it happened. We were all devastated to get the text from President Blickenstaff. None of us could've expected that. But, as President shared with us in his weekly email this week. I feel compelled to share this email with you. It has touched me deeply, and I hope it will do the same for you.

Dear Elders and Sisters,

This past week I was powerfully reminded of how grateful I am for the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When difficulties arise it becomes essential to hold fast to the most fundamental things in which we believe. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” (Heb. 10:23). Sister Blickenstaff and I were shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of one of our “little sons” (Alma 56:39). We love and miss him but our faith is sure that we will see him again. 

We have definitely felt buoyed up by the faith and prayers of the entire Church in our behalf. We are amazed by the strength and dignity with which the Hampton family has responded to this trial of their faith. They have been in our prayers continually since last Tuesday. They are being blessed by what Paul referred to as “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). It is a peace of which I can testify, as have felt it too in my own challenging circumstances. It is the Comforter, whom Christ promised would come to us in time of need. We invite you also to pray for Mr. Chiang, the driver, and his family. They too are suffering from the unavoidable accident, and need the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I am also grateful for Elder Quist, who has been remarkably calm amidst this sudden storm. I believe through your prayers, he has also received the sustaining influence of the Holy Ghost and perhaps even the ministering of angels. I also believe part of the reason he could be so at peace is that he and his companion had a good relationship with each other, they were obedient, and they were diligently working each day according to their purpose. I know that these are the reasons that Sister Blickenstaff and I could be so at peace as well. 

My dear elders and sisters, live each day to the fullest. Love God and serve Him with all of your might and strength. Have charity and love towards your fellowman, starting with your companion. Listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and do not put off till tomorrow that which you should do today. Exercise judgment and care in all that you do. Please know that Sister Blickenstaff and I love and pray for you and would do anything we could to help you find happiness and satisfaction in this great work of salvation. It is difficult and requires our best effort every day, all day. There is no greater work in which we could be engaged and no better place than Taiwan to which we could be assigned!

Remember: More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His children (PMG, p. v).  - President Blickenstaff.

I know that what President Blickenstaff shared is true. The prayers of the Church members around the world are felt by every single one of us. I wish I could thank all of you individually for the prayers in behalf of the family of our "fallen comrade," as well as for the prayers in behalf of my dear friend, Elder Quist. He has been a wonderful example to me throughout my mission. I look up to him. I have learned a lot from him. And we have developed a friendship, which, to me at least, feels will extend into the realms of eternity. I too am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which loosed the bands of death for every one of us. I am so confident that we will all see Elder Hampton again. He continues his mission in the realms ahead. And I pray that God will continue to bless and comfort his dear family.  I know that we will all have our dark fridays, but I too believe, that Sunday will come for all of us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlc5RvmWN4s

1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

 2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.

I know that God's Plan of Salvation is true. I know that this Gospel will continue to roll forth until it fills the whole earth. And I am so grateful for this chance I have to play my small part to move that stone along. Thank you again for all the prayers, and for all of the faith. I love you all and I will talk to you soon. Have an awesome week. We are rooting for ya.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷長老

Quick Update for Now I Guess

Hey Guys,

Sorry about the lateness and shortness of this email. Some stuff happened today that just prevented us from getting here until now. So, this will be short.

Not much changed this week. Eric hasn't answered his phone yet, so we are praying for him. General Conference was awesome. I will write more about it next week when I actually get some time. 

Elder Starkweather has been sick the past week, just as I get over being sick! Guess that's the life huh? But we got some medicine and stuff and it seems like he's on the upswing, so that will be good.

Well, what else. We found a new investigator this week, Jonathan. He is cool and he lived in America for 11 years, so his English is really really good. Hopefully he will keep progressing.

Well, that's about it for this week. Again, sorry for the shortness of the email. Hopefully more fun stuff to report on next week. Oh well, life goes on. Love you guys and talk to you next week.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷(累)長老

Eric's Baptism!, Elder Park is Moving!, Welcome Elder Starkweather!

大家好!

I hope that your week has been a good week. Ours has been rather exciting! We have seen a lot of miracles and had quite the curve ball thrown at a couple of days ago. But I'm sure I will be getting to that. Anyways, let's get going.

So, most importantly, Eric got baptized this last Saturday!!! WOOHOO! We were able to meet with him the Thursday before his baptism to finish his last lesson, and he was super excited. And well, he finally did it!

We are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy for him! He wasn't able to come to church this last Sunday because of some work stuff, but he should be able to come to get confirmed next week. So that won't be a problem. But he was so ready. He kept telling us that night how grateful he was for all of our help, and for the caring attitude of the ward. The Spirit was really strong that night. What a way to finish out the transfer, and Sister Crowell's mission!

Well, like I just stated, the move call ended. So, we got the call on Sunday morning telling us who was going to move. And of course, what happens!? Elder Park is the one moving!!!! 什麼東西!? Yup, I will be staying in Tainan a little while longer! Elder Park is moving WAY down south down to Donggang (東港) to be with Elder Gilbert, an Elder who served in Tainan 4th ward before. So yeah, just like that, my son and I part ways. It feels like only yesterday I was going up to the mission home in Taichung to pick him up! Crazy how time flies! But I wish him well. Donggang should be a pretty fun place. And he gets to live in a 4-man apartment, (meaning that there will be 4 Elders in one house!), so I am a little jealous. I haven't had that chance yet. But should be fun! So yeah, I have a new companion now, Elder Starkweather from Alrlington, Texas. He has been on the island for about 7 months. I don't know too much about him yet. All I know is that he was trained by Elder Coleman, an Elder that I graduated high school with, and that he is taller than me. Been a while since I've had a companion that is taller than me. Feels kind of weird...Oh well, there goes my chance at basketball!!! But yeah, seems like a super cool dude! Can't wait to see what these next few weeks bring. MIRACLES!

Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, the 4th ward Elders' apartment became a 4-man again. So now there are 6 Elders in the district instead of 4. Elder Lauti is training a new missonary, so Elder Bradford finally moved. He went up to Taichung. Yeah, pretty big move call this time.

These days, while going very quickly, are only a small flash in the grand scheme of eternity. But the experiences we have in this short time will go with us forever. So yes, I am treasuring every minute of this time as well, because it is precious. 

I can't wait for conference either! Kind of like waiting for Christmas! But better! 

Well, that's about it for now. I'm sure there will be more updates on Eric and stuff as the time goes on. But for now, I just wish you all an awesome week. Ours has been pretty good. Father and son have parted ways and life goes on. Love you all and talk to you very soon! 

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷仕鈞長老

Saying Goodbye to My Son, Elder Park! (They grow up so fast!!!!!!!) Already off to his second area.

Elder Starkweather and I