Meet the newest...

Our congregation here is flourishing. We have a lot of recent converts, and the newest one got confirmed a member of our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this past Sunday. Jerry got to stand in the circle at her confirmation to lay hands on her head while she received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I loved seeing the glow on this newest member's face as she accepted God's help in her life.

Susan's story is perfect: searching for decades, prepared by God in every way imaginable, and humbly accepting of truth when she found it. We introduced ourselves to her the first Sunday she came to church, just a few weeks ago, and felt instantly how special she was. What an honor to fellowship her--and how amazing to see her progress to baptism so promptly! Many people get distracted at some point during the initial learning process, or they experience difficulty keeping commitments that will lead to baptism and membership in the church. But Susan has a way of jumping in with both feet and giving her whole heart to God. As we see her joy, our own gratitude for the gospel of Jesus Christ grows. Thanks for letting us learn with you, Susan! We love you!

Conversion Part 2 & Prophets

My mother went with me to a church activity for the first time in 2001. There she met many wonderful members and felt the good influence of the church.

She took the missionary lessons. For about two months straight, she read the Book of Mormon out loud every night, to a point where my non-member brother thought that it was too noisy. (Hong Kong people have very little space and small homes.)

When sister missionaries asked her whether she had read the assigned scripture, my mom started quoting from the scripture and most of the time she read more than what the missionaries assigned.

She was baptized eight months after my baptism.

Talking to her on the phone tonight, I asked her, “What helped you join the church?” She first said that “the Gospel principles are very good; and then the member’s love.” We got to worship with her at the church and temple when we went to Hong Kong last summer.

The Restored Church of Jesus Christ has a living prophet:

Courtney and I saw the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, yesterday at the BYU Marriott Center (sat about 40 yards away from him), when he came to speak for the CES Fireside. Prophets are special witnesses that testify of Christ and write down God’s words.

He quoted a lot of inspirational stories and poems, but I think this quote came from his witty mind: the “W formula” that “Work Will Win When Wishy-Washy Wishing Won’t.” He also said, “In order to find Him [Jesus Christ], make room for Him in your life.”



image at right from http://www.nathansharpstudios.com/wst_page9.php