It's been an interesting week, with unseasonably warm weather. I'm not complaining, just worried about how hot it's going to get in the spring/summer!!!

Last Saturday we had a pretty full English class!!! We've been focusing on getting new people to our English class in the church so we can introduce them to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's been successful, as we're getting new people at every class! After class, we went to spend time with some members, and visited Sister Lee in the mart where she works. It was a good night spent with people we serve and have come to love. Good feelings all around!

On Sunday, both Elder Murray and I were asked to give 5 minute talks/testimonies to fill up time at the church meeting. I spoke about missionary work (of course). When we (as missionaries) go out and talk to people of other faiths, the subject of prophets usually comes up. We make the bold claim that a prophet (such as Moses of old) lives on the earth today and directs us according to the word of God. Though this claim is bold, it is not weird or un-Christian. If we read the scriptures (Old Testament, New testament, and Book of Mormon) we see many examples of God calling prophets to lead His children. It is a pattern established out of love. It is also a truth that has unfortunately been lost to many Christians today, who seem to forget the prophetic calling of Peter, James and John, as well as the rest of the original Twelve.

I know that there is a prophet of God on the earth today. I take comfort in knowing that this is an expression of God's love, and that if I follow the prophet's words, I will be blessed in knowing which paths to walk in these confusing times (just like Israel of old!).

On Wednesday night, we spent time with Sister Kim, who will be returning to America in a few weeks where she lives with her Korean-American husband. While we were spending time with her, her older brother began asking questions about our church. Sister Kim is staying with her mother and brother, who are not members of our church. Her father also passed away a few months ago. We were able to explain a little about our church and give him a Book of Mormon to read, all while National Treasure 2 was playing on the television! lol While we were helping with dishes in the kitchen, I peeked around the corner and saw him reading the introduction at the beginning of the Book of Mormon. Before we left, we showed them a new short video produced buy the headquarters in Seoul that tells people a little about our church and how it came to Korea. It was a pretty great experience. Sister Kim was able to bear her testimony of the things we said (she has been a member for only two years). She was so happy that we were able to talk to her brother about the church, and she wants us to work with him. She wants very much for her mother and brother to start coming out to church before she leaves to go back to America. We will try very hard to help her out with that!

Last week, we had Zone Conference. It was interesting. We set a mission goal of 200 baptisms for this year (2010). The Busan Mission baptized 108 people in 2009, so it will be a challenge. More important than numbers, however, are the people those numbers represent. We'll work on serving PEOPLE who will accept this gospel and agree to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

It's been a good week! I look forward to the week ahead! The gospel is true! Love, Elder Bocchino

PS: Yep, it was my birthday last week. I don't feel like it, but I'm 21 years old now! (22 in Korean age) We had a District get-together and I got a few presents. The missionaries are really nice like that! Sister Park had her birthday on Feb 4, so we all hung out together as a zone and played games. It was fun!!!

Love you guys! Elder Bocchino