This past week we definitely had some great blessings. We had some great lessons with ward members helping them set goals on how, when, and who they will share the gospel with. I love visiting the members! Their faith definitely strengthens my own and it helps us feel more like a family. Our ward is doing the "40 day fast" along with the praying cards so we are helping all of us work together in achieving that goal and strengthening our ward. I really believe it is helping our ward unity and helping all of us think even more about missionary work.

Tom is doing good, however, he won't commit to coming to church yet. He is still a little bit nervous about coming to our church because his parents go to another church. Since meeting with us he has already experienced some blessings such as getting more job interviews and offers. The Lord has so much in store for him. We just need to help him see that and be willing to push for it.

We met with Winnie this week! She is awesome! She is soo prepared. She doesn't have any religious background but she really wants to know if all of the things we talk about are true. She has been praying and reading. She said she doesn't understand all of it but she will keep on reading and call us if she has questions. It is awesome that her friend (Allie-church member) invited her to meet with us and get to know the gospel. It really shows how important member missionary work is. When Winnie has questions or concerns she can also ask Allie to explain it and she already has friends in the church to help her make that transition.

The 65th Anniversary was definitely a group time to spend with members all over Hong Kong, including members from previous served in wards. Where I was sitting I couldn't see the screen but we could hear it. The messages shared were simple, but had powerful truths. I especially enjoyed the testimonies in the beginning.

This week in Personal Study I have been learning a lot about Jesus Christ's ministry and doctrine. The more I read about his ministry the more my testimony grows. People can try to attack the Gospel of Jesus Christ from any direction, but it doesn't weaken it one bit. The gospel will help anyone that is willing to partake of it. I've also been thinking a lot about patience recently. How can one develop 'true' patience? Is true patience just holding in all of the frustration? Of course not. True Patience is looking at things from God's perspective. No matter our challenges or our weaknesses, God will help us overcome them all. Spiritual growth through challenges is something that we should seek, not shun or shy away from. That is what is so great about the gospel. Without the gospel, one definitely would not, possibly could not enjoy or at least understand the purpose in challenges. However, one with the understanding the gospel brings, isn't overcome by their challenges.  That leads into another interesting thing I've been thinking about this week. What kind of a perspective on life does the Gospel bring? If we are true and worthy it definitely brings about a change in not only the way we look at things, but who we are. Having the opportunity to everyday meet with people and discuss topics such as these has definitely opened my eyes. A lot of people think that as long as you do good, it doesn't matter what you believe in. On the surface this may seem like a fairly good thing. However, the scriptures teach that if we give a gift unwillingly, it is the same as if we would have withheld it. Our reason for doing the good deed is everything. That is why our gospel is centered around Christ. If Christ is our focus, then we, through the restored gospel, have the perfect reason behind our deeds.

 

Elder Zach Cederlof