Hsinchu - Week 54 - Conversion
We as a Xinzhu 新竹 zone leadership council have been pondering and discussing a lot what it takes to become truly converted to the Savior. I studied Mosiah 2-5 to find characteristics of someone who is converted, and I feel that the key is continually strengthening one's own testimony and conviction by living and applying the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into one's own life. This can be achieved by regular prayer, scripture study, going to church, keeping the commandments and keeping our covenants. It's simple but not easy. As we do this, we can become closer and closer to who God wants us to become. Conversion is, therefore, not just a change in our behavior. It is a change in our very nature. And as we become more converted, our desire and motivation to share the gospel will increase. I am striving to become more converted to the Savior so I can become a more effective missionary.
We had a few tender experiences this week where the Lord has allowed us to witness our friends becoming converted. On Friday, my new convert friend from Hualian, Toast, met me, Sister Phillips, Sister Lee and her companion, Sister Zentz in Taipei so she could go to the temple and be baptized for her grandma who passed away. Her grandma was the one who introduced her to Jesus Christ and taught her to read the Bible when she was younger. After she finished the baptism and waited to be confirmed for her grandma, she told us how 感動 touched she felt. And she told us that she really really wants to go on a mission to share the message that has brought her so much joy.
Another friend we have, Qian Rong, has not been baptized yet but she came to our Stake Conference in Zhubei and was so inspired by the messages shared. We had President Owen, the General Young Men's President of the Church, and Elder Homer, an amazing Asia Area Seventy, come and speak to us. (Friday night, they also joined our missionaries in Taipei for a powerful mission conference and training). At the Stake Conf., they spoke about developing faith in Christ, seeking earnestly to make Book of Mormon study, prayer, church and temple attendance a major part of our lives. Elder Homer firmly declared that there is nothing else that will bring lasting peace, happiness, and joy...except for accepting Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
After the meeting, Qian Rong told us how much she loved it, how much she wished she could have been a part of this church when she was younger. She wants to keep reading the Book of Mormon and learning, developing faith. And she asked us, "after one joins the Church, do they have to go on a mission?" And we quickly said "no, no, it's a choice!" But then she said "Could I go on a mission?" Super surprised but full of glee we were like "YEAH!!! OF COURSE!"
I love Jesus Christ and I am so grateful to be in Taiwan sharing His message. God loves His children here like He loves them everywhere. I know this to be true! This week I invite you to evaluate how your personal prayers and scripture study are going and make it a bigger priority. As you do so, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge, peace, and direction!
Love you all, see you soon.
We had a few tender experiences this week where the Lord has allowed us to witness our friends becoming converted. On Friday, my new convert friend from Hualian, Toast, met me, Sister Phillips, Sister Lee and her companion, Sister Zentz in Taipei so she could go to the temple and be baptized for her grandma who passed away. Her grandma was the one who introduced her to Jesus Christ and taught her to read the Bible when she was younger. After she finished the baptism and waited to be confirmed for her grandma, she told us how 感動 touched she felt. And she told us that she really really wants to go on a mission to share the message that has brought her so much joy.
Another friend we have, Qian Rong, has not been baptized yet but she came to our Stake Conference in Zhubei and was so inspired by the messages shared. We had President Owen, the General Young Men's President of the Church, and Elder Homer, an amazing Asia Area Seventy, come and speak to us. (Friday night, they also joined our missionaries in Taipei for a powerful mission conference and training). At the Stake Conf., they spoke about developing faith in Christ, seeking earnestly to make Book of Mormon study, prayer, church and temple attendance a major part of our lives. Elder Homer firmly declared that there is nothing else that will bring lasting peace, happiness, and joy...except for accepting Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
After the meeting, Qian Rong told us how much she loved it, how much she wished she could have been a part of this church when she was younger. She wants to keep reading the Book of Mormon and learning, developing faith. And she asked us, "after one joins the Church, do they have to go on a mission?" And we quickly said "no, no, it's a choice!" But then she said "Could I go on a mission?" Super surprised but full of glee we were like "YEAH!!! OF COURSE!"
I love Jesus Christ and I am so grateful to be in Taiwan sharing His message. God loves His children here like He loves them everywhere. I know this to be true! This week I invite you to evaluate how your personal prayers and scripture study are going and make it a bigger priority. As you do so, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge, peace, and direction!
Love you all, see you soon.
-------------------------------------------------------
Comments
Post a Comment