林弟兄 x 2, Elder Stevenson Devotional, and Traveling........A Lot

Hello Family,

I hope that you have had an awesome week. Ours has been fantastic, as well as tiring. There has been a lot of stuff going on down here in 屏東. But we are having a good time, Elder Rogers and I. So, I guess I'd better get to it.

So, this last Saturday, we had a baptism!!!! WOOOO! It was for our good friend, 林弟兄. He has been meeting with missionaries for a few months now, and has taken quite a long road to get here. He has given up smoking as well as other things in order to be able to take upon himself the covenant of baptism. Well, I got to teach a couple lessons with him before and after his baptism, and even in that minute period of time, I have seen him change and grow so much. We are so proud of him and are grateful for the opportunity we have to welcome him into the 屏東 Ward. In addition to the festivities of a baptism, I also got a little surprise of my own that night. So, Do you remember Hedde Lin? He served a Mini-Mission up in 逢甲 while I was in 東海. Well, he just so happens to be in the other 林弟兄's ward up in 台南, so he came down and visited me! 

Man, I love that guy so much! I hope I can bring him to America sometime after I get back, but we'll see!!!

So, this week, we got to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear an apostle speak to us in person. Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, came and addressed us on Friday. His son was just finishing his mission, so when he came and picked him up, he had a fireside with the whole mission!! Every missionary went up to the chapel next to the mission home and got to hear an amazing man speak even more amazing things. He said so much, there really isn't a way to put it into words, so I will not include it here. Just know that it was amazing. And then after that, we had another wild experience. So, Elder Rogers, along with Elder Crockett (another missionary who came on island at the same time as me) are preparing to perform a musical number at the upcoming mission Christmas activity, so while we were at the mission home on Friday, Sister Blickenstaff asked if she could hear a little preview of the song, just to see how well it was coming along. So, we walked into the living room of the Blickenstaff's home, where we find not only President and Sister Blickenstaff, but Elder Stevenson and his wife and son sitting there as well. Well, that definitely upped the pressure on Elder Rogers and Elder Crockett a little bit, playing in front of an Apostle and what-not. But the song sounded great and everybody that that it was wonderful. So, that was fun. It is fun to have a musically-inclined companion sometimes!!!

Lastly, traveling............UGH!!!!! We have been doing so much traveling recently. In addition to me moving all the way down the island, the devotional, and a specialized training in 高雄, we have been going all over the place. So, because of the performance that Elder Rogers and Elder Crockett have to prepare for, they have to get together and practice, since there is not much time left. The only problem is, Elder Crockett is in JiaYi, halfway up the island!!! So, we have now traveled up to JiaYi twice within the last week and a half. We are here now, and we have to come back next Monday, since it will be there last time to practice together before the performance. All-in-all, I am starting to get sick of being on the train so much. But it is still an adventure, and it is fun coming back up to some old stomping grounds. 

Elder Crockett is the one on the far left. This is us in front of there apartment complex with some of Elder Rogers' recent converts.

Well, that is about it for this week. I hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving. I know that mine was fun. I got to be in JiaYi! So, I wish you all another amazing week. Start hangin' up the Christmas decorations and let's prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior and Redeemer of the World. I love ya, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷長老

屏東, Elder Rogers, and Some Other Random Adventures

Hello Family,

This week has been pretty good. Definitely a big change coming down south. 屏東 is quite a bit different from 東海. The city is a lot smaller. It is quite a bit warmer. The chapel is ACTUALLY a chapel. And so on. So I will get right to it.

So, Pingtung is quite the place. Being further south, it is really green. While it is warm, every one has said that I'm lucky I came down in the winter time when it is cooler. So that is a blessing. So, I am in the GaoXiong East Zone. My District (Yes, I am DL again.) consists of 4 missionaries. We have one set of Elders and one set of Sisters. Elder Rogers and I, and Sister Liao and Sister Cosby. I will talk more about Elder Rogers in a little bit. But, you guys might remember Sister Liao. She was in my district when I first got to DongHai. And then there is Sister Cosby, who is also from St. George. So, it's a pretty small world.

So, Elder Rogers. Elder Rogers is from San Diego.  He is 20 years old. He is also a "Halfie." His mom is from Taiwan. His dad is American. He is a piano master (at least I think so). He has played for like 15 years or something. He was also born in the JiaYi Zone, like me. He got there right as I left to DongHai. He wants to be a heart surgeon, but his parents are really encouraging him to go into business, so he hasn't quite decided yet. He has actually lived in Taiwan before. He was part of the military here for 4 months. His Chinese is super super good. He actually got fast-tracked from the MTC. He only had to be there for two weeks because he already spoke Chinese. I will actually be his first American companion. His other companions on island so far have been natives. But, he is super super fun. He is outgoing and willing to do the work. So, I look forward to the time that we will spend together!

Other random adventures from this week. So, this past week, I was introduced to some of our investigators. We are meeting with our friend, Lai Di Xiong. He is 81 years old and only speaks Taiwanese! He can't speak Chinese. Luckily, Elder Rogers can speak and understand a good chunk of it, so we don't worry too much. Not only that, we have members who come and help us with his lessons, so they can translate and things too. But, Lai DX is a nice guy. His baptism is coming up soon, so we are excited for that. Also, last Thursday, we had the chance to go to GaoXiong (Kaohsiung) to attend a specialized training. These trainings happen fairly often, and they are simply to help prepare junior companions prepare to become senior companions. Although I am already senior companion and district leader, I hadn't had the chance to attend one yet, so we were invited to come. It was a lot of fun, and I got to take the Subway for the first time in my life. (It's the Kaohsiung MRT.) So that was fun. And yeah, there are probably a million other things I could tell you, but for the sake of time I will leave it at that.

Well, that is about it for this week. I am doing well. While it was kind of hard to leave DongHai and to leave Elder Chen, I am super excited for the chances and opportunities that I am going to have here. I love you all so much! Know that I miss you guys! I hope to hear from you soon. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Eat lots of turkey and potatoes. Eat extra for me! And never forget the one to whom we own all of our thanks, our loving Father in Heaven. I know he lives and loves us, and that he gave us Christ to redeem us from our imperfections! I am oh so grateful for that.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷長老

Our District

Well, I'm Goin' South...........Goodbye 東海, Hello 屏東

Hello Family,

I hope that your week has been a good one. Ours has been pretty good. But definitely lots of crazy 東西 happening. Emails won't be very long today, but I just thought I would update you. 

So, yes, I suddenly had to move. With a lot of missionaries going home, as well as some new positions needing to be filled, I got a call from the Assistants on Saturday night telling me that I would be moving the following Monday! Yeah, kind of crazy. So, after rapidly packing up all of my junk, and saying goodbye to the ward on Sunday, I left this morning to travel down to PingDong, one of the furthest south areas in the mission. It would be considered pretty rural. We have a city as our main area, but we have a lot of secondary areas. So our proselyting area is huge. I'm not quite sure how close the ocean is, but I can't imagine it's too terribly far. You pronounce it (Ping Dough-ng) if that makes any sense. As far as how far it is from Taichung, on the other side of the island. It was a 3 hour train ride from the Taichung Station to the PingDong station. The only things lower than us are ChaoZhou (Sister Kwong moved down to ChaoZhou, just a transfer before I came down here. So, it seems like I've been following her around the whole mission!)  and HengChun (Elder Quist is just two districts down. So we are in the same zone.) . I had to say goodbye to Elder Chen, which was kind of sad because it was so sudden, but it was fun to see how close we'd gotten. I am district leader down here too. But there are only two companionships in our district, just us and the sisters. So yeah. But yes, definitely some new adventures ahead. Because I am more south, it is definitely warmer down here. (Mom preceded to tell him that St.George had a chance of snow..here was his response...)Pft. Snow....I forgot what that stuff looks like. Because it's still like 80 something degrees here most of the time!!! But I guess that comes with island life! But it is super green and super pretty here. I will try and take some cool pictures this week to send to you! 

So, my new companion is Elder Rogers. He is also from San Diego. That is pretty much all I know about him right now. But I'll fill you in on all of the gruesome details next week. Sorry, no pictures right now, I forgot to put my camera in my proselyting bag. But I will get those to you next week! Anyways, know that I am safe and happy. And I am looking forward to living the southern life! Love you guys and I will talk to you later! 

Lots of love,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

屏東的長老 雷長老

Elder Millett first served in Chiayi, then to Taichung, now down to Pingtung. He is seeing all parts of the island.

This was Elder Millett's Facebook Post

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

5 hrs · 

嘿嘿嘿，我回來了。我今天有搬家了。我有搬到屏東！好，所以，我今天要跟你們分享一個很酷的事。你們有沒有看過認識摩爾門？它是我們教會作的電影。我自己覺得它很好看。我希望你們都會有機會去看。它真的有幫助我培養我對耶穌基督的見證。謝謝你們。雷長老

Hey, hey, hey, I'm back. I have moved house today. I have moved to pingtung! Okay, so, today I want to talk to you guys share a cool thing. Do you ever meet Moore door? It is our church for the movie. I think it's very nice. I hope you will have the opportunity to go to. It really helped me build me the witness of Jesus Christ. Thank you. Ray Elders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5uoGMZbt9U

Automatically Translated

認識摩爾門官方電影── FullHD - 國語

認識摩爾門剖析了六名虔誠的耶穌基督後期聖徒教會成員（摩爾門）不同的多樣生活。本片拍攝地點橫跨世界各地，認識摩爾門帶領觀眾踏上旅程，看到住在美國、哥斯大黎加、尼泊爾和其他地方的一些人的日常實際…

YOUTUBE.COM

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Mission Tour, Interview with Elder Wong, and the Work Goes On

Hello Family,

I hope that your week was good. Ours was really awesome on this side of the world. So, I might as well get right too it.

So, this week, we had our mission tour. Essentially, what the mission tour is is every year, a general authority of the church comes and speaks to all of the missionaries in the mission. So this year, it was Elder Wong, one of the members of the Quorum of the Seventy. He is a native on Hong Kong and is a really friendly guy. Well, at the mission conference, we talked about what success really meant as a missionary. Apparently, President talked about a trend moving through the mission of missionaries comparing themselves to each other based on numbers. He basically came out and said that this can't happen. So, we talked about how the most important thing to remember is that our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ. As long as we are working our hardest and being obedient, than the blessings will come. We also talked about some teaching skills with Elder Wong and about what being a missionary means. There was so much more that we talked about, but I don't think I have time to write it all. All in all, it was an incredible experience.

Well, in addition to that, the night before the tour, I got a call from President Blickenstaff. He called and said that he would like me to have an interview with Elder Wong before the tour starts. (Apparently, the General Authorities like to interview a few missionaries before the meetings, probably just to get an idea of how missionaries in the mission are doing. So, I had to be at the WuQuan chapel a little bit earlier for this interview. I walked in and started talking with him. He is such a friendly man. And he had a light about him that really let you know that he was a representative of Christ. He asked how I was doing, if there was anything he felt I wanted to learn in the meeting and so on. He got to know me, where I'm from and things like that. He shared with me about how the Lord will help us to move forward, so long as we are willing to keep trying, so I thought that was pretty awesome! So, yeah, I got to have my once in a lifetime chance of having a one on one interview with a General Authority. So, it was really awesome, and I will treasure that experience for the rest of my life.

Lastly, the work goes on here in the East China Sea (Dong Hai). We have been blessed with many tender mercies here as of recently. One of the biggest ones I think though is a new investigator that we are meeting with right now. So, when I first got to this area, the first lesson I had was with Wang Feng Yi (Elder Wang) and one of his best friends, Liang DX. Well, the lesson went ok, but afterwards, we never really heard from this friend again. Well, just before he left, Feng Yi asked us to try and meet with him again. Well, this friend had just attended a dinner at the Wang Family's house when they said a prayer on the food. He explained to us that he felt something that he had never felt before, and that he wanted to keep having these feelings. He explained to us that he had seen the change in his best friend preparing for a mission, and that he also wants to change his life around too. So, we are now meeting with him again. And he says that he is willing to prepare for baptism. It was one of the most spiritual lessons I've had on my mission. To be able to see Feng Yi, through his example, help a friend feel the Spirit and desire change is just so touching to me. So, to be able to have this opportunity to help Liang DX is a privilege, and I know that the Lord will help him to progress.

Well, that is about it for this week. Sorry, no pictures this week. But I will try to take more and more. I mean, I've got a good sized memory card for the job. But, if you have any other questions, you know where to find me. Love ya! Talk to you guys soon! 

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷長老

#LeFans, #EastOcean #GGWP

The Taichung East, West, and South Zones

翻桌, 鳳儀走了, and Stake Conference

Hello Family, I hope that you are doing well! We have had a splendid week! Not too much crazy stuff going on, but I'll fill you in on what happened.

So, the first subject of my email is 翻桌, or "flip table." Something funny I've learned recently is that there is a Taiwanese phrase that they will say when they are angry. It sounds like "Bean Duh La." It literally means, flip the table. The first time I heard someone use it after I knew what it was, I thought is was too funny. I laughed so hard I couldn't breath. But, we don't use it often, only because people only use it when they are REALLY upset. But, Elder Chen and I use it as kind of an inside joke. So, I found this picture a little while ago and I thought you guys would find it funny. It is a picture I took on the day of the typhoon. Enjoy.

Ok, now that you're done laughing, I'll talk about the second thing. So, this past week, right after I introduced you guys to my good buddy 鳳儀, telling you that he was waiting to go on his mission, he called us and told us that he would be going to the Taichung Mission until his visa came through! Yup, he is now a full time missionary, IN THE SAME MISSION!!! I thought it was funny and awesome! But even better, President Blickenstaff told us at Stake Conference who his companion was going to be. And do you know who it is????? IT'S ELDER MOORE!!!!! That's right, Elder Wang is now going to go be with Elder Moore, my old companion. Elder Moore and I became very good friends with Elder Wang, and now he is going to go be his companion in the mission field!!! So awesome!!!! We wish him the very best.

Lastly, Stake Conference was this last weekend. It was super awesome. It was all about Hastening the Work of Salvation, encouraging unity between members and missionaries, as well as more active temple attendance. We got to hear President and Sister Blickenstaff speak, as well as the Taipei Temple President and his wife. Our Stake Presidency spoke too and it was just a very spiritually powerful weekend. So, I am so glad to be able to serve in the Taichung West Stake. 

Well, that about sums it up for this week. I am happy, healthy, and getting more used to my position as District Leader. It has proved to be a good, and neat experience thus far, so I am so thankful for the opportunity. Well, I love all of you. I hope to hear from you soon. Know that I miss and am praying for all of you!!!!!

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷長老

Goodbye Elder Galura, District Leader, and Fun with 鳳儀

Hello Dearest Family of Mine,

I hope that your week was full of surprises and fun. Mine certainly was. I got quite a curve ball thrown at me this week, but I will get to that in a bit.

So, this week, we had to say goodbye to Elder Galura. He had to suddenly move to help another Elder finish training. He had been here the longest out of any of us, and his leaving means that Sister Geddes and I are the oldest missionaries in the FengJia District. Elder Galura is such a fun guy. We miss him and we wish him the very best, as this is his last transfer before he finishes. I learned a lot from him and I am glad for the opportunity I had to serve with him. So now, the new Elders in FengJia are Elder Clayson, a missionary that came on island with Elder Chen, and Elder Lin, a native Taiwanese who is "duan chuan" ing until Elder Clayson can get a full time companion, so we may only have him here for a couple weeks. But, we are happy to have them here and I look forward to working with them.

Well, this little change caused a big change in my world. So, before Elder Galura left, he was our district leader here in FengJia. Well since he left, President Blickenstaff has to assign a new District Leader. So, I found out from the Assistants that I would be the new district leader here in FengJia. I am definitely a little nervous about that. I know that I have been on island long enough to know the ropes and everything, but I am definitely not sure about leading an entire district! But, President said that he feels that I will be able to handle it, and that he feels I'm ready, so I will definitely be putting this into the Lord's hands. A line in my Patriarchal Blessing says, "Never turn down a calling from the Lord, for he will make you equal to every responsibility." I feel that this is definitely a part of that promise, and I know that the Lord will bless me as I take on this new responsibility. And I am going to do my best to lead this district and continue doing this great work.

Lastly, I decided that today I would tell you guys a little bit about a really awesome member in our ward, 王鳳儀, (Wang Feng Yi). So, Brother Wang is a 20 year old YSA who is getting ready to go on a mission to Salem, Oregon. (Yup Kaden, be keeping your eye out for him!) He is super super ready to go. He helps us with lessons and things all the time and he will wear shirt and tie out in public just to practice!!! He always helps us English Proselyte and other things. And he is just such a stud guy! HE is super funny too. He was supposed to report to the Provo MTC tomorrow, but due to some visa problems, he really doesn't know what's going happen for the next little while. The only thing that they told him is that he will be to the Provo MTC (Guaranteed) by no later than December 1st of this year. So we are definitely praying for him. But, for now, I figured I could just introduce you to this wonderful friend of mine by showing you a couple of pictures of has "Having Fun with 鳳儀!!!)

​Well, that is about it for this week. Wish me luck as a new DL! I hope that all of you have a good week as well. The work moves on here in 東海! I love you all and wish you the very best!

GGWP. GLHF! 

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷長老

"Better Planning Would Provide," Back in Business, and Pants‏

Hello Family,

This week has been pretty good. We have found a renewed vigor in the work, and we are starting to see the results of it. So, I guess I will get right to it. 

So, the reason that planning is the first subject of my email is because that has been one of the biggest reasons we have been seeing more and more success. When we had our interviews with the Mission President back about a month ago or something, he said that the first step to seeing more success is to have quality planning sessions. So, we put that to the test, and we have been more effectively using our missionary planners to make the best use of our time. So, for all of you who feel like your days are hectic and not effective, "Better Planning Would Provide." I encourage all to start making plans and setting goals and I know that it will be of great use to you. Don't figure it out late like I did.

So, because of our new determination to plan and set goals, we have seen some miracles this week. Our investigator from a few weeks ago, 陳弟兄, finally met with us again. He has been facing some family opposition to his believing in Christ recently, so he has been wondering whether or not he should continue to meet with us. Well, this last week, we had a really cool lesson with him, in which we reassured him of the converting power of the Gospel. He will be able to set an amazing example for his family and he will be able to help them see the changes in his own life. He was really touched by what we shared with him. And, following the promptings of the Spirit, we invited him to be baptized and to set a goal date. He accepted and we are hoping that he can get baptized on November 14. So, we are going to keep working hard and praying that he will be able to overcome these trials and continue learning and applying the Gospel in his life. So, we are back in business!!!

And lastly, pants. Kind of a random topic, but I will explain. So, since all of the missionaries here in Taiwan ride bicycles, clothes tend to take a beating. So, recently, as I'm getting off of my bicycle, I realize that my pants, (that I've only had for like a month or two), have ripped in the back. I was like, "Oh....MAN!!!!! SHOOT!" But I guess that's what happens, and thank goodness nobody saw. But, yeah, for any of you who plan on coming to Taiwan, TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR CLOTHES! Just a word of advice.

Well, that is about it for this week. Just one more little bit of news. This last week was my HUMP DAY!!!! As of this last Thursday, I have been on my mission for a year. It is really crazy to see how fast time flies here. It is pretty insane. It seems like only yesterday I was writing about my "6 Month Mark." But yes, I have learned a lot of things being here and I plan on using this precious year that I still have to the best of my ability. The first year has been a time of learning and growing, and now is the time to just "Go and Do." So, I plan on doing just that. 

Well, I love you guys! I hope you have an awesome week. Know that I love you and am praying for you guys every day. Stay safe! Have some fun when you can and I look forward to talking to you very soon.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷長老

Thanks, haircuts here are super duper cheap. 100 Kuai, which is just over 3 American Dollars, and it took like 10 minutes.