Zone Conference in Singapore - Sarawak District

Week #55: Be an Instrument of the Lord: July 24, 2017 – July 31, 2017 (Miri)

I'm so sorry for the last week! When we landed in Singapore, everyone had a list of things they wanted to do. One the good side, I got to finally see quite a bit in Singapore. We went to see these giant trees that are gorgeous at night. I had seen them earlier on an exchange in Singapore, but I got to see them again and they were extravagant. We then went to Chinatown where we got to shop and we were going to eat Mexican food, but the shop was closed. So sad. We had a very good Zone Conference on Teaching Repentance by the Spirit. It was very inspiring. I learned a lot personally. We did a lot of role plays (which we do like every other day in this mission), and it was a real treat to finally see a role play by President and Sister Simmons. We got to see how they taught, and that they even messed up at times. At the end of Zone Conference, we usually have an activity. In the past, activities have included rely races, volleyball, etc. This time, our activity was seeing the lightshow in Singapore. It reminded me of the water light show in Disneyland, California. It was amazing! We then ran to get some llaollao (yogurt from Spain), and then went home.

 

Sight Seeing in Singapore

After Zone Conference, we got to stay another day to have exchanges. I got to go on exchanges with Sister Welling (the STL from Bountiful, Utah). It was lots of fun, and I got treated so well. Every STL knows my love for ice cream, so I got a real treat by going to Cold Stone. We contacted a lot of people and taught an amazing lesson on the Book of Mormon, and how it answers any question. I love love love the Book of Mormon, and I know it truly answers every question. In Singapore, we found out about a new change to the mission. In the Singapore Mission, we have 3 languages, English, Chinese, and Malay speaking missionaries. Now, missionaries assigned to the Singapore Mission will only be assigned Mandarin or Malay, no English. Although most of the mission here is English, we will all be learning so that we have more areas that we can serve. Before, English missionaries served only in West Malaysia, Malay missionaries served only in East Malaysia, and Mandarin missionaries served everywhere. It will be a great change to the mission. We will still be speaking English, as well as learning new languages in this mission! :)

The rest of the week was a bit more uneventful. When we returned, it was a bit slow in Miri. We were trying to contact our investigators again, but none of them were picking up. It was hard. On Saturday, our recent convert biked with us most of the day. It was lots of fun! She had the spirit of missionary work very strong in her. I don't remember much about the week before, so I'm sorry.

One thing I learned this week was the topic "Be an instrument of the Lord". This is actually a picture quote I put on my companion's planner that I made for her. There is this video https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-06-1120-the-gift-of-time?lang=eng&category=principle-2-use-time-wisely that made me really think of what is most important. Most of us think time is one of the most precious gifts we have in the world. The next question is how do we use it? Do we use it wisely? Do we make time for the things that really matter? Today, make a list of the things that take your time. Add the things you would like to do to your list. Now, add numbers starting from 1 up to give an

Sight seeing in Singapore

order of importance to YOU, not to how much time you think you have. I was reading a talk this morning from the April 2015 General Conference, "The Comforter" by President Henry B. Eyring. President Eyring talks about the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift is given by proper priesthood authority after baptism by the laying on of hands, and conferred by the power of God. Often we think this gift is for us, and it is, but it is also for us to become instruments in the hands of the Lord to help bless and comfort others. The Holy Ghost is given so we may give service. I invite you today to read this talk and watch this video. Take time to do something that will change your outlook on life and priorities. In the words of Elder Richard G. Scott, "Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences". Be an instrument of the Lord.