Week #59: Apostles, Seventies, and Conference, oh my! - August 22, 2017 - August 28, 2017 (Miri)

This week has been crazy! On Tuesday, Elder D. Todd Christofferson and his wife visited Singapore and addressed the whole mission. Our mission flew in the mission leaders (such as Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders) and missionaries who did not attend the Provo MTC (most of the natives) into Singapore to meet the apostle. The meeting was then skyped to the rest of the mission in Malaysia. On Monday, for p-day before this meeting, we went to the beach and played companionship water balloon toss. This was the senior couples' way of making it up to us for not traveling to Singapore. 

In his address, Elder Christofferson focused on giving 100%. One quote he said that impressed me was about our living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He said, "President Monson gives 100%. His 100% is now at a lower level than his 100% twenty years ago, but it is still 100%" This made me think a lot about diligence. In a later Zone Meeting, we discussed our goal to "Go Hard with Humility". We came to the conclusion that humility means thinking less of yourself. We also discussed the application that giving 100% means more than just missionary work. What might it mean for a member? Honestly, I don't know if this answers the question posed, but I share this because of how profound it is. We read in Daniel 3 about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who would be cast into fire for not abandoning their God. They would not worship an idol of the king at the time, so they were going to be put to death. In a verse we discussed the meaning "but if not". These faithful and loyal men would not denounce their God. They would not worship. They knew God had all power to save them, but if not, they will still stand up for their beliefs. They were not immediately saved. They were cast into a pit of fire. The fire wouldn't start, and then when it finally did, they were saved and not harmed. The fire went around them. 

To take from this story, yes we have a God of miracles. Yes, He can save us and help us overcome our trials, but if not, if we don't immediately see His hand in our lives nor resolve our issues within the time we want them resolved, will we still continue to believe? Will we still stand up for God when we are thrown into the fire? What will you do when you are thrown into the fire? Sister Simmons' mom was a mission president's wife as well, and had the motto, "Always keep the dream alive." I know this is true.

The craziness of this week continues with meeting Elder and Sister Meurs (an Asian area seventy) and finally ends with District Conference (similar to Stake Conference) with Miri and Bintulu. President and Sister Simmons and Elder and Sister Meurs were giving talks left and right, and seemed to be handing them out like candy. It was a way cool conference because throughout the whole thing talks were given in English and Malay and then translated into English, Malay, and Mandarin. The theme of this District Conference seemed to be missionary work and forgiveness. The rising generation, especially in Malaysia, are the future leaders of the Church. Every day, I am impressed by Malaysia because these ARE the pioneers. The church is just short of 30 years in Malaysia, and it is amazing to see their faith through their challenges and struggles. It gives me a great appreciation for my ancestors and pioneers. Every day, we see their excitement for the Gospel, their faithful love for God, and their sacrifices for what is right and true in the Gospel. 

I can go on forever about what I had learned this past week. It was a truly spirit-filled and powerful weekend. I feel as if I had just finished Conference weekend. There is always more to share, but I'll leave you with these thoughts. Take care!