Annabelle’s First Email to Elder Yu: Laughter, Love & Little Life Updates ❤️

Hey gor, it's my first time emailing you but I felt that at least when you read this and mom's letters to you, you'll feel a sense of home and comfort. Especially composed by your dear A+ in O-Level English sister

All jokes aside, Mom reminded me yesterday of the mark evaluation I got in the last three weeks. And turns out my comprehension was higher than my essay by 2 marks. Of course, both were still A's, but I was still surprised because the comprehension felt more like an essay. Those three liners were jam-packed with words describing how ice felt in the mouth. I didn't know what they wanted and felt like an accidental greatness. I do, however, get why the joke or PEEL, POINT, EVIDENCE, EXPLANATION AND LINK IT ALL UP TOGETHER, is funny now. So initially, yes, it still is a joke to me how I got higher by 2 marks in my comprehension.

Other than that, Dad came back on a Friday at 7 am. We went to Sunway, which I didn't know why considering he woke up at 3 am to take a flight. That is until I held this in my hand, and he said " Happy birthday"

You'd think he'd get a smaller and more conventional one but no!

So yeah, brand spanking new phone. To be honest, I don't know why but I have nothing to say. 无语. But I'm still thankful for it. We bought some books from Agatha Christine. The woman, the myth, the legend!!! Who wrote The Man, the Myth, the Legend, Hercule Poirot, and his series!!! We bought two books, and you know, you can have an e-card for the membership deals, cause we accidentally lost the card, but it's okay, we have it electronically. So yeah, had fun and suffering from headaches because of the lack of water yesterday.

I hope you are doing well and going strong out there physically and spiritually fed, and remember your testimony is not yours unless you give to someone too. Don't be afraid to share your testimony, and don't feel down! This reminds me, thanks for the emails, I had a hard time during last week and really needed that affirmation of worthiness, and courage to move forward. I found through seminary that writing to your future self works. Well, that's all! HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON ON A MONDAY!!!

Yours sincerely,
Annabelle

Chocolate, Coursework & Annabelle ☕❤️

Spent a lovely afternoon with Annabelle at ZUS Coffee while working on my BYU-Pathway assignment. She kept me company as I studied and worked on my coursework.

Sometimes, the best moments are the simplest ones. I’m grateful to have Annabelle by my side, patiently accompanying her mother while I work towards my studies. She is indeed a wonderful companion, making an ordinary afternoon feel special. ❤️

4th WEEK IN THE MISSION FIELDD!!

Hellooo!!

This week too has been a wild week and I love the things I was able to learn from this weeeek!!! I came to understand that daily conscious decisions are set before us each day and at every moment. And with each small decision we take it can either bring us closer to or further away from God. Come unto Him or take a step back. The power of agency truly is a powerful, beautiful, extraordinary and divine gift God gave us. LETSSSS GOOOOOO!!!

1st Challenge: Socializing 

To be honest the goal I set for this transfer is actually SOCIALIZING ⚰️. That is by far the hardest thing for me to do as I came to realise. To talk with strangers of all ages, and come to know them that way I can share the gospel with them. Giving them the invitation to come, to learn, to understand and to love the Savior as He and Heavenly Father loves us to. I am so grateful to be able to help others that they can come to know of the Lord and His teachings.

I gradually learn that to be courageous, we must choose to act courageously. To just do what we have to do, to just do the things the Lord commands.

However the only difference is that with fear, we think and analyze failure.

With Courage we act knowing that the Lord will provide a way for us to accomplish the work He sends us to do.

And while I was aiming to do my best in socializing, let me tell you. I AM BADDD AT THISSS⚰️⚰️. Like really really bad. Often I just shut my mouth as we converse with another person and it's just sooo WILDDD AND AHHHHHHHH. Really lost . And it's just soo amazing to see the growth I have gotten. So here's the situation I got myself into. As you went through the day from Knocking door to door, under the warm tingling sunlight on your skin. You and your comp just entered the car from a unsuccessful door knocking contact. Suddenly the phone rings, at that moment you look to your companion eye to eye to process on what is happening at that mment. 5:30pm, ZL's are calling you. For what transport, assignment, warning or possibly apostacy DUNDUNDUN. As you answered the phone, Zl's are telling you at 5:00pm to 7:00pm there is an international fellowshipinf activity held for campus students whom are studying there.

Trainer looks at you dead in the eye and says lets do this. And steped on the gas to reach there in time. After several turns and a car well parked in a spot, on your way to the activity. A toyota truck enters into the parking lot and the ZL's with the portugese Elders came in to do contacting with everyone in that activity. A window rolled down and a question pooped in the air, "You guys ready for this?" Your trainer answers "BLITZ?" the portugese missionary answers "BET!" and off we went to the activity.

Blitz definition: To exchange 2 missionaries between 2 companionship.

And I got Elder Rollins who is shy all the way, wanting to get back to his original comp. Nonetheless is stuck with me. Being put with this situation, I realised how much I have to do and to overcome the fear of talking to random strangers from foregin lands. And that I did, as we went around Elder Rollin and I chatted with a few people and even invited them to church, as well as a Mid Autumn Festival activity in the coming month. To which we got all of their numbers!!! And I realised how much help I had received from God during those moments or weakness. Truly the Lord will make weak things become stronger unto you. And I see the blessing and reason to why we needed the Holy Ghost in our hearts at all times and in all places. Because through the Holy Ghost can we come to learn and grow with the Savior's grace.

2nd Challenge: Personal Agency

During one night we were contacting around 8:40, doing one last contact before heading to the apartment and call it a day. As we knock on this  beautiful house to share about the gospel to the person living at this home. An old guy came and answered the door, which he also continued to come out of the house and chat with us. We were excited to see that he wants to learn about the Savior. To our dismay, he was there to bash and destroy us with his belief.

He started rambling on the gospel principles we believe is truth and mentioned how they are all blasphemy, that we taught the wrong doctrine and just doesn't believe a single gospel truth. I was there trying to be able to connect with that man. Nonetheless, his heart was hardened and just not interesed to listen at all. Repeating the same points over and over again, interupting us as we speak with a louder voice and continuously deny the words we say. To a point as I try to understand that guy, I realised where it was taking me to. That gradually it got me to start denying the doctrine, that was until my trainer said:

"Well sir I know that we disagree with everything you say, and you disagree with everything we know. So we'll just eaveour testimony of the Book of Mormon... And if you ever want to learn about it, you can always talk with the missionaries in the area, they also talk about Jesus Christ. Goodnight."

Which that got me thinking, why am I denying and fllowing the belief of that man and thw world? Why am I not sharing about what I know is true and stand steadfast to what I believed in? Why not have integrity? know what is right and what is wrong? That I do not lower my standards or behavior to impress or blend in with the world?

To do what's right even when the world scoffs at our desire to be true to the Lord.

(1 Nephi 8: 24-28)

To always use my personal agency to choose that which is of God and turn away the things of the world. Even when no one is looking. That is integrity that I learned from Preach my Gospel. And that is WILD.

More than that but even during a lesson with a returning member I realised how lost I was, questioned why I don't even have a single principles in my mind that I can share with this person (Pat), where did my effort of improment go to? Till I realised that I didn't really have the Holy Ghost with me. I looked down a bit thinking well, my comp is able to share the lesson witth ease and the Holy Ghost is with him. So why not be quiet and listen through it all and testify at th eend of the lesson. That would be a lot more easier, maybe thats what God wanted.

A single word popped in to my mind, like a small source of light that had entered to the abyss. That word was "Agency", it's still a choice you can make. There surely is another way to it. Choose for yourself what ye would want the Lord to do.

And I choosed to invite the spirit in my heart, softening my heart and just having the desire to want to helpthe person I am teaching. That the faith started from a desire can grow in me Alma 32:27. And so it did. I started to have the love and kindness and joy to share a quick simple principle. And graduallyy it expands to more and more of the principles she needed to learn and engrave into her heart. It became a continuous flow of doctrines that connects and relates and her happiness grew more and more, higher and higher. To which a 20 mins lesson turned to an hour by accident. As she started to ask more questions and concerns we soothed with comfort and assurance. Having the Lord with you, that is a choice. To choose to come nearer to the Savior and obtain His divine help.

That even when we feel unprepared for anything, we can choose to trust in Him. We dont know everything, but you Know ENOUGH. So trust that the Lord will expand and bring things to your rememberance.

3rd Challenge: Respecting Agency

Now this is a crazy hard moment for me. One night as me and my trainer went around to visit houses tat might potentially be a chinese person living inside. We came across a house who to our disappointment, turned out to be a white bearded 40 plus year old white guy. And he invited us in and asked us immediately "Am I inside the less active member list?" To which we told him how we were in search of mandarin speakers to teach the gospel with and we heard that the neighbours mentioned about his house and that there might be a possibility. He understood and later we asked him "Why do you think you are on a less active member list?" He answered oh because I'm unfellowshiped another words

ex-comunicated

And we were stunned, soon we found out why. He had his own family, however it being a toxic one. They unsealed their marriage covenant. And now he is working for a divorcement and already dating another person. This time learning from his previous mistakes. At that point I was stunned and ha dno idea what sort of spiriual message to share. Howeve, I shared about following the Lord's will, because he knows the happiness we can obtain even more than we do on our own path.

A lesson finished and while we were on our ay back to our apartment. I could and never understand why would that guy do it, like why not this? why not that? why? why? What about the children? how do they feel?

My traner realised my struggles and shared with me Alma 32: 37-39. He likened a relationship to a tree, that it takes 2 people to nourish it with great care, it grows root and bears fruits. However if we neglet it, the tree will not grow roots, and the heat will scorge it that it whithers and we pluck up and cast away. towards the last verse Alma mentioned. It's not because the seed was not good, neither was it that the fruit given is not desirable. But because the ground is barren and we have not nourish it. Ultimately the tree (relationship) is good, and so is the fruits (friendship, love, charity, children, trust and etc). However if we do not nourish it constantly it will whither and be plucked off and tossed aside.

Learning that I saw that the man or his spouse either one did not want to nurture that tree and tossed it away. Thinking that the tree was of no good. And from there I started to learn to come and undestand these people more. But ultimately what about God? He respected all of our agencies even when it hurts, when it harmed someone, scarred ourselves and made Heavenly Father sorrowful to see us in our state.Nonetheless He never did stop us from using our agency to choose for ourselves. But has always loved us anyways. And so I learned to respect another person's agency we must have charity, even when it hurts others, us or themselves. Love them anyways and LSI with them.

Another experience was when I started t teach Tony a non-member during the evening and mand let me tell you. We taught that man about the gospel of Jesus Christ. And He wanted to learn about how he could always have God's presence in his life. and we taught him about the Holy Ghost. He was overjoyed. He knew everythig we taught were true. And wanted to receive that gift. He was soo happy and the spirit was so tangible in that lesson. Towards the end my trainer felt prompted and aske Tony "Now that you know that what we taught was true, The Book of Mormon is true and that the Lord is there and loves you. Tony we would like to invte you to set a date for baptism."

Lighting was right, he looked down and waspondering all that he learned, we looked at him with warmth and joy. Silence took the lead for several seconds. Tony look up at us, eyes looking at us without a blink and said...

No...

I was like hmm alright in my mind. But What I did differently compared to the last time was. I showed him the love that God has for him, respected his agency and showed charity towards him. Never are we going to drop him but bring him ever more closer towards the Savior's love and his safe embrace. I was soo happy how th elesson went, rambled on and on abut th eending with the 2 other missionaris we stayed and it was hilarious and insihtful to se the growth I have gotten.

I love that guy and his randomness.

Purpose and Alignment 

The Power of the Gospel Of Jesus Christ is just AWESOMEEE!!! Like Nephi and other prophets, being sent to do the Lord's work. We too are send to do His work as well. To help one another to come ever closer to Christ by helping them receive the gospel through

1. Faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement

2. Repentance

3. Baptism/Sacrament

4. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost

5. Enduring to the End

And setting goals is crucial to that plan. At first I struggled with the idea of numbers and people. Like how can I teach people not because they are baptismal materialistic things with thinking these peopleare too precious and should be nurtured carefully 1 at a time. I was stressign on that till our mission president mentioned

"Each number has a name, go find those name and fill it in next to those numbers"

To which I was like Ohh THAT MAKES ALLL THE SENSE!! We missionaries want to invite the whole world to come unto Christ but 8 Billion is an overwhelming number. So why not drag it down to 10 or 15. That makes the K.I. much more digestible. Each week to meet this number of new people and teavh them about the gospel. Understand their needs and through personal effort adn the Holy Ghost's help. Guide them to receive principles, joy and happiness. Tohep them come ever more closer to the Savior. Working through members is a crucial factor and MAN members here are DIVINELY AMAZINGGG!!! Though many are afraid and feel like they don't know how to do missionary work. We are there to guide and help them understand how we do it and gradualy they will come and know how to do it. We can be the firekindlers that spark that passion of sharing the gospel to the world. Instead of 170 000 plus people sharing the gospel, why not 1 000 000 000 people there to share the gospel with the world. I love working with members especially building that relationship. After all we are to help others to come unto Christ, members or non-members. I love the work.

So these are a few things I learned during the week and I do hope you guys can learn something from it and also share your experiences as well. BYEEEE!!!

Receive Divine Help for Life’s Battles

August 25, 2024

Receive Divine Help for Life’s Battles

Dear Elder Yu,

My job has been busy and having a project handover deadline and a tight schedule to catch up lately. It was always physically exhausting and drained brain come back home from work. I am really glad that have Annabelle who takes care of the daily house chores and with Ally’s stuffs.

It feels like I have to go through a mini daily battle every day to tackle things that pop up suddenly in the projects, trying to solve them one by one at a time. I feel blessed that I can feel the Lord watching over me every moment of my daily life because I can see how some ad-hoc things in projects turn out to be just fine at the end of the day. And I am grateful for that!

It is so co-incident that I read this article last Sunday which I wanted to write to you but did not manage to. It coincides with the previous week’s Come, Follow Me focus on the Book of Mormon Alma chapter 43 – 52. And I hope this sharing might help you when you go through a little storm in your days trying to be a good missionary of the Lord.

It is natural to wonder why Mormon included the war stories between the Nephites and the Lamanites when he had limited space on the plates. We indeed have our share of wars in the latter days, but Mormon’s remarks are still valuable for more than just explaining the tactics and the tragedy of warfare. His teachings also equip us to fight the war that “we are all enlisted”, which is the battle that we wage every day against the forces of evil. This is a real war, and the result will have an impact on our eternal lives.

Elder Dale G. Renlund shared 3 principles that we able to be like Moroni in battling our adversaries in our daily lives:

1. Understand Our Purpose

We must never lose sight of the larger picture of our divine nature, everlasting destiny, and the evil forces that oppose us. Correctly comprehending Heavenly Father's plan will inspire us to continue battling for our eternal salvation and release from spiritual bonds.

2. Strategize for Success

We can employ the same methods Moroni used to cope with spiritual adversaries. We might begin by realizing what Satan is trying to do in our lives. He tries to derail us from our mission. When confronted with temptation, we must ask ourselves:

• How does this action on my part stack up against the revealed word of God?
• What are the consequences of taking this action?
• Will this action help me fulfill my purpose on earth?

We should also comprehend the consequences of succumbing to even little temptations. As we succumb to temptation, we swallow "poison by degrees" (Alma 47:18), a highly successful method employed by the powers of evil that can result in spiritually disastrous consequences.

I think that is how adversaries always make us feel as if we are not enough, and never enough! Just remember the Savior when this kind of thought comes into your mind.

We can fortify ourselves against Satan's temptations by following the guidance of our latter-day prophet. This helps us maintain an everlasting viewpoint from which to judge our deeds. Strategizing how we will deal with temptations in all aspects of our lives will help us make better decisions at the moment. Preplanned methods and techniques will assist us in avoiding diversions from our everlasting mission.

3. Prepare for Metaphorical Battles

Spiritually, we prepare individually by keeping the commandments of God. We make and keep covenants with God that draw the power of Jesus Christ into our lives. We can better prepare by strengthening our families. We can collectively gain strength and prepare for our spiritual battles as we join in communities of Saints.

I am indeed grateful for your companion by your side to uplift, encourage, share, and guide you along the way. Please tell Elder Fleshman that I am thanking him and grateful for being such a good companion to you!

Like Captain Moroni, we can receive divine help and power from the Lord for the battles we face in life. It is just like what you have been facing as a missionary, and myself as a wife, mother, and employee. Moroni demonstrated concepts that we can use to meet the challenges of our modern existence. As we exercise our faith in the Savior Jesus Christ, He will shower us with His strength.

After reading your email, I just felt as if I needed to tell Elder Stratfold and Elder Paewai about your thoughts on both of them and how grateful you are for them to teach our family the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I am reaching out to both on Messenger. Elder Stratfold was so happy to read my message and he is happy to know that you are already on your mission to serve the Lord. And, here is his message:

“Of course, I remember you and your family! It was the happiest time of my mission. Thank you so much for your message, it has made my week.

I am so happy to hear that Isaac is on His mission, it makes me feel very old as I remember him as a 9-year-old. It was such a pleasure teaching all of you, thank you so much for being so patient and receptive.

My Wife and I now have 3 kids, we had twins born in January last year so life has been very busy. We are planning on coming for the dedication of the Singapore temple and driving from Singapore and then up through Malaysia so we would love to see you all then, that will be a few years away of course.

Give my Love to the rest of the family, especially Isaac as he is serving the Lord, I am so proud of Him, Love you guys How are the rest of the family?”

Lastly, Heavenly Father believes you can be successful. Strive to see the value in yourself as He does! Even though this quote Elder Holland addressed to all the mothers, I want you to know that his counsel applies to you too, “Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are.” Remember your purpose and the value you bring to everyone around you. You can do this!

Love,
Mommy

Sunday Violin Practice

After church on Sunday, Annabelle spent some time practising her violin in preparation for an upcoming event. It was lovely to see her continue making time for music alongside her church commitments.

Every practice session is another step towards improving her skills and preparing to share her music with others. Wishing her all the best as she gets ready for the upcoming performance! ❤️

ZC Logan 20 August 2024

Elder Yu’s second Zone Conference was another meaningful milestone in his missionary journey in Utah. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather with fellow missionaries, learn from their leaders, and continue strengthening his testimony of Jesus Christ.

I love seeing the missionaries come together, dressed in their Sunday best, united by their shared purpose of serving the Lord. Beyond the lessons and counsel they receive, these conferences also provide opportunities to encourage one another, build friendships, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Each Zone Conference is another opportunity for him to reflect on what he has learned and renew his commitment to the work. I hope he will continue to grow in confidence, deepen his testimony, and find joy in sharing the gospel with the people he meets.

May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen him, bless his efforts, and help him feel His love as he serves. ❤️

3rd Week in the FIEELDD

早上好，Hola, Hello, Bonjour and Ehhh TALOFA!!

Well this week has been hmm its been a calming moment in the storm, but still amidst the wild storm at the same time

It is amazing how the Lord truly knows each and everyone of us. After Monday's devotional and Tuesday's P Day which explains why the week went by so fast

1st Lesson

So on Wednesday after P Day I got hit with a large level of sadness and inadequacy like a truck. And that really took a toll on me. Started crying and just trying to handle the amount of stress I have and just I really really tried with every single choice I made to grow. Yet I felt like I am not enough, never enough. Not enough to socialise with the world, not enough to satisfy the demands of the world and Ultimately never enough to do His work as He did. In His shoes.

However I also know that I am improving, I need time and I am a child of God with divine potential. Still I pushed myself and wanted to learn faster, wanted to grow better and wanted to not waste a single second on my mission. But it still felt overwhelming, being drowned with so many expectations and goals I planned for myself. In an ocean of self-assessment, self-criticism and self-destruction. Nonetheless the best thing that has happened for me is my companion. He was there when he heard the children hymes I played to soothe my anxiety, he was there to see my tears and even there to hear my shaking voice. And he helped me through all those worries. Best first word he said was

"Do you remember what I said to you about God betting on you, Elder?"

"Yeah, He does not bet everything He has on a single 19 years old boy. He always has a backup plan"

And I slowly explained that knowing the knowledge is easy. But acting on them is a journey. That I know I have to be patient with myself, that The Lord never expected imperfections in me. However the ideal version of the missionary that I want is so far away from where I am now. And that my mind is processing the negative thoughts and just heeding on the things that can edify and help me learn in a new perspective but doing it alone is sooo hard and almost impossible. Elder Fleshman then proceeded to explain to me.

"It's a great thing to have such high expectations, but know that you can't reach it all in a few dys. Like you are in the mission field for 2 weeks. No one expects you to be perfect. Not even the savior. But if you are consistent and try everyday, every moment and every second and never give up. You can do it. And you have the Savior's help as well. I have a talk I want to show you"

And so I started to feel better, understand a bit more about myself by just pondering on how I ended up in this situation and recover. We then headed to a chapel using a car, whilst on the way just started chatting on how my mision experience has been. Once we arrived in the chapel, he searched for a BYU talk given by Elder Wilcox called "His Grace Is Sufficient" Which is an amazing talk. https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brad-wilcox/his-grace-is-sufficient/

The Savior suffered for our sins, that way He can atone for all our sins, consequences of our choices, heartaches, pain physically and spiritually and ultimately our imperfections. He paid the demands of justice, so that His arms of mercy are there to claim all that she can. And that arms of safety is us. To help us in our imperfect state so that we can learn and grow to be better each time we make a mistake. His arms are there to catch us when we fall short, so that He can lift us up and higher up as far as Heavenly Father is. And what we need to do is to do our part. Adding in our effort. So the calling that we have chosen to accept. To be a missionary, a part of the Arm of Helaman, a president, a leader and more.  Isn't the savior's grace there to help us to improve from our part to perfection. So if the Atonement fills the gap between our effort to the state of perfection. Then who fills the gap between where I am right now and my part? Cause I don't feel enough, I don't think I am doing enough to reach for His aid.

Well how can I reach my part?

How can I grow stronger to do my part?

Well the truth is from Elder Wilcox. There is no line to which we have to reach to gain the Savior's help, because He has paid for the full price of justice. Not half way, not a quarter, not even a single cent left but for the whole thing. That we can gain His divine help wherever we are during our mortal journey. So while the Savior paid the full price of justice what He expects from us is practice. Practice to knock doors, practice to compliment, practice to share the gospel, practice to comfort others, practice to show charity and practice to be His Disciples. To become like Him, that we can be perfected through Him.

The Atonement is like a piano class as Elder Wilcox mentioned. "Mom pays the piano teacher and she pays the full debt, so what does she ask her child for? PRACTICE, Does the child need to repay the mother? nope. Practicing shows appreciation for the Mom's incredible gift. It is how the child takes advantage of the amazing opportunity Mom is giving him to live his life at a higher level. The Mom’s joy is found not in getting repaid but in seeing her gift used—seeing her child improve. And so she continues to call for practice, practice, practice."

"If the child sees Mom’s requirement of practice as being too overbearing, perhaps it is because he doesn’t yet see with mom’s eyes. He doesn’t see how much better his life could be if he would choose to live on a higher plane."

Because the Atonement is there to help us improve, but ultimately as Elder Dallin H. Oaks said Its purpose is change. So that's the beauty of the atonement. And from there I gradually learn to be patient and to love myself even more. I will get there, we will get there. Not on our own but with the Savior's help. Always.

2nd Lesson

To always have the Holy Ghost by your side. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland April 15, 2021 - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/missionary-devotionals-2021/2021-04-0150-elder-jeffrey-r-holland-april-15-2021-1080p?lang=eng#title1

This talk gave me a whole lot more insight into the Holy Ghost and how we as missionaries should always have God's help by our side. That we must always live in a way to always have the Holy Ghost with us, from waking up, to preparing yourself, to Preaching the gospel, to testifying of your testimony, to planning and SLEEPING!! Beyond that Having the Holy Ghost is not like a coat that you leave it at home and can put on whenever you want to go teaching. But it must always be with us even on P DAY! To build ourselves spiritually, daily and consistently. Lastly, to teach by the spirit.

D&C 50: 17-18

17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God.

Its a really good reminder that whenever we teach, always have the Holy Ghost. Because by doing so we teach it in the Lord's way. and like Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said

Listen to Elder Bruce R. McConkie on this matter, and I’m quoting, “Let us make [this] clear,”¹¹ he said, “there is no conversion, no spiritual experience, unless the Spirit of the Lord is involved … Now note, what you’re saying is true, everything you say is accurate,” and I’m still quoting Elder McConkie, “[but] it is not of God … Conversion comes and truth sinks into the hearts of people,” he says, “only when it is taught by the power of the Spirit,” close quote.¹²

Did you get that? It can be right. It can be accurate. It can be true. It can be technically right and not converting—not technically of God. So this work is true, elders and sisters, and the Spirit is the ultimate and essential teacher of that truth.

So let's strive to always have the Spirit in our hearts wherever we go and serve. That we can do our purpose and help others to turn to God. Lastly, in every companionship like a duo and trio. There must always be a trio and quadro. To have the Holy Ghost in every companionship, that way we can work together and with God's power as well.

3rd Lesson

Words Matter, and thats something I came to realise during my mission. It's so intriguing how our words can hurt, cause scares, traumatise and destroy. At the same time build, heal, nurture and succor. I love that so much and it's a blessing that we can use our words in a good way to express ourselves and if we did hurt someone we can also heal them and seek forgiveness. And I love the talk Words Matter cause Elder Roland A. Rasband recites the things our prophet said

President Nelson has a way with words. He has said, “Keep on the covenant path,” “Gather Israel,” “Let God prevail,” “Build bridges of understanding,” “Give thanks,” “Increase your faith in Jesus Christ,” “Take charge of your testimony,” and “Become a peacemaker.”

so we can do much better and stronger.

People

I have had the opportunity to meet with so many people and while nothing crazyyy really happened. Yet I come to find so many children with so much beauty in them. I found that each one of them are as unique as they are. Moreover each one has their own trials and challenges that they need the gospel in their lives. A baptist guy with a mountain of faith in the Lord, a marine that finished his service with a beautiful family, a couple that is learning all about the gospel of Jesus Christ and a returning member that has her own challenges with addiction yet choose to continue and find all the way and has the eyes to see the many miraculous gifts God has given to her. While I want to help them all at once. Nonetheless setting goals and plans to help them really really helps a lot. To guide them to the truth and let them explore for the joy they can receive.

Sometimes I wonder, are all these the things the missionary who taught me had to do to help my family and to come and learn about the gospel. Cause doing missionary work indeed is not easy, but after all like Elder Holland has said "Salvation is not cheap, so this work shouldn't be easy" And I am really grateful that the missionaries that I met when I was 9 are able to build a connection with my family, guide us as we studied the scriptures and let us grow on the right soil to understand and nurture our own testimony, faith and knowledge of the gospel. Man I miss Elder Stratford and Elder Paiwai. Nonetheless pressing forwards and onwards.

I have come to love my mission every single day. Though it's sometimes boring, I came to realise that's not the case. Because everyday there's something new. Everyday there is someone to Help, to Love, to Share and to Invite.So I am getting used to living with the Gospel and to serve others that they can come unto Christ.

Some Food Pic, Pretty Yellow to me

Some extra MTCCC PHOTOOOO!!! Makes me Trunky to go back to the MTC. ALSO FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL AT MTC READING THIS PART! TOTALLY NOT JEALOUS TO HAVE ELDER DAVID A. BEDNAR OVER THERE GIVING YOU GUYS A GO AND DO EXPERIENCE!!! How was it? email me...

2nd Week in the Field

APOSTATE APOSTATE IT"S TUESDAY WHY ARE YOU SENDING EMAIL HAHAHHHAHAHHAHA!! Let's GOOOO

大家好！你们则么了？

There's a reason cause Monday we had a devotional and so it made our P DAY (Prepararion Day) shift to Tuesday. So no worries I am a good Missionary . THIS WEEK HAS BEEN CRAZYY. Especially how much fun and joy I have experienced during the week!! But also the hardships and trials I have been through are tough. ⚰️⚰️.

So here is a few struggles I met with :

1st Hardship

As I went through the week I came to learn that one of my senior comp Elder Stallings left last Wednesday. And the sadness it gives which made me and Elder Fleshman really really sad. Like we were in the car driving to a lesson. Elder Fleshman and I had just finished our Door Knocking. To which we didn't really feel the spirit with us and for me it was because I missed Elder Stallings and my emotions were in grieve and just sadness. Hardly any positivity neither optimism. As I looked over to my left whom is driving (my comp) I realized the amount of expression those pair of eyes were holding, coloured by the slight stripes and lines of micro vessels at the edge of the eyeball, with a luster of tear at the edge of the eyelids as if the tear itself is synchronizing with the eyes doing its best to not fall.

Nonetheless when he asked how I felt during those Door Knocking and how I felt during the whole day. I hesitated as I spoke which to maybe give a lie to comfort him. When he asked "Is it because of Elder Stallings?"

My voice broke and heart leaked, the mind overworked with holding in the emotions and worries and Ultimately the cause of these emotions.  Missing Elder Stallings. As I spoke tears came gushing out and I realized till then why the spirit withheld from us. Because of this feelings and not being able to express them is the problem. To which my trainer also started crying and I know that He felt prompted to ask "Is it because of Elder Stallings?" Which the Spirit was so strongly felt in the car that it just might become tangible

I loved how my trainer started talking how much he missed his trainer as his trainer too is going to leave with Elder Stallings. And at that moment I came to realized how important it is to comfort with those in need of comfort, and to mourn with those who mourn. During the car ride we teared up and shared our experiences of the time we hold most precious with that leaving missionary. Which I am soo glad we had that conversation. As I got to come even closer with my trainer. He said something I loved the most "Your comp becomes a part of you" and I love that. ❤️ which made me think as well living and understanding my comp is basically preparing me for marriage and especially having an eternal comp and that does make sense in a sense. Nonetheless I am still stable don't worry about me I have a strong desire to fulfill and make the most of my mission

As the days passed, I noticed how much desire and eagerness I have to improve and to apply the gospel doctrine into my life. And I realized how much people need the gospel in their lives. Even in UTAHHH!!!. And I want realized how the scriptures can really be liken into our lives. To apply the gospel in whatsoever hardships we have. And to learn and love others, sharing the gospel with others even when they are from different religion. To share the Gospel and invite them whether if they want to come ever closer to the Savior. So that's 1 hardship I had to face.

2nd Hardship

The second hardship was during Friday, where we went door Knocking and we found a lady pastor from another church. As we met her t her door step, she invited us inside her house and as we chatted she started to talk about how do we know the gospel is true. And as my companion and I started to testify on the things about how she is afraid that we believe in the wrong thing or a fake. That we couldn't be save and we will be fallen. So while she was trying to bring us down passively. The Holy Ghost is there to testify of the things that I know, that all that I have learned of the gospel is true. However after that encounter as the day passed I had some doubts that came into my heart.

Gradually I can feel the adversary getting stronger to which immediately I detected and started to identify why I had these doubts. I know that the Holy Ghost testify of the things which I learn is true, I know that the gospel has blessed me in my life and my family and I know that because of the Gospel I can gain these joy and happiness beyond that the reason towards why I decided and go forth on my mission. Nonetheless I got so caught up with the doubts and worries in my mind and heart, to wonder what I learned is true or not. And I just couldn't process the emotions and thoughts I had which got me into a spiral of negative thought. Not knowing how to nurture my testimony and how to search for the answer. However I am so blessed how I have my companions there to help me through that hardship and struggles. Guiding me let me find back my testimony of the gospel and helping me to come and know that everything I learned from the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. That the Gospel, Prophet, Plan of Salvation and  the Book of Mormon is true.

I soon got to learn of a few verses that helped me a lot to nurture my testimony are:

1. 2 Nephi 4: 15-35

2. Helaman 5 : 6-12,47

3. Helaman 6 : 34-36 (To overcome the feeling of not knowing what to learn left in the gospel)

4. Helaman 8 : 16-24

5. Helaman 10 :4-16 (Whenever we are serving Him we can be like Nephi, that "the power of God was with him/her)

Monday 12/8 

I am so glad I had the opportunity to attend a devotional with nan invited speaker Elder Brian K. Taylor and I loved how he reminded of a missionary talk given by Elder Jeffery R Holland. To ponder if you were Peter and you are visited by the Resurrected Savior whom you know has been resurrected. When He visited you the Savior asked you 3 question

"(Your Name) do you love me? "

How would you answer that question? if so He asks you another question

"(Your Name) Do you Love Me?"

How would you answer that question? if so He asks you one last question

"(Your Name) DO YOU LOVE MEE?"

How would you answer that question? And HE continues

"If you do love me, WHY ARE YOU HERE? I asked you to be my disciple, my friend, my instrument! I needed you! I needed someone to do my work where were you? I trusted you so why are you back here? Must I ask you a third time (Your Name)?"

Like Peter we must leave our nets and fishes, our past lives and our habits. In order to serve a mission, to help Him in His work and to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. To let go completely and become His Brother, His Sister, His Friend. To let Him help us in magnifying our callings. Like in John 6: 9-13-

The lad with 5 loafs of bread and 2 fishes, when we give Him our talents, skills and gifts, He will magnify them to feed the 5000 or mathematically with wife and children the 10000 people. That when these loafs of bread an fishes are gathered and its give back to us with 12 full baskets of them.

So let our efforts be strengthened with the Savior's grace. Whenever we fall short, He will be there to extend His arms to embrace us in His arms of safety. And lift us up to reach a place beyond our own imagination and understanding. So for missionaries lets work with the members to invite and teach them about the restored gospel as well as letting them learn of the love their Father in heaven and Their Savior Jesus Christ loves them.

I love how repentance is one of the most spiritual message. in Helaman 5: 6-12. That the Savior sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins. That we may not have to drink that bitter cup. And after that taught us the condition and blessings of repentance through His angels and prophets. That ultimately to build our foundation on the Rock of Christ. That we may never fall to Let God Prevail in Our Lives. That He died for us that we may attain joy, but beyond that. His works is able to be a blessing for all of us.

D&C 18: 10-13

10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.

13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!

So imagine the joy our Savior has whenever we seek His grace daily, to rely and trust in Him that He will lead and guide us to help those who are ready to learn, come, love and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I was able to visit to a Native American Sister and help comfort her. I came to realize how the scriptures can be liken to our everyday lives, how the Savior is there to guide and council with us. To bear my testimony of the Savior's help during my mission journey, To meet and visit a released Mission President and also an institute teacher with a ton of books in their house and its crazy how he has his personal library. And to be there in comforting and striving myself to become ever more better!!

I know that He loves us all and I know that the Gospel is true. He loves us all and I know He will always be there to support us in everything that we do. And I say all these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Mission Zone Conference w Elder Taylor 12 Aug 2024

A special day for Elder Yu—his first-ever zone conference with Elder Taylor as the special guest!

Looking through these photos, I was drawn to the different moments captured throughout the day. Elder Yu sitting among his fellow missionaries, listening as Elder Taylor shared his message, and catching up with other elders afterward. Each photo tells a small part of his missionary life that I don't get to see every day.

I was particularly interested in the whiteboard notes about missionary work—reaching out to part-member families, recent converts, former friends, and others who may need an invitation to come closer to Christ. These reminders show that missionary work is not only about meeting new people, but also about building relationships, caring for others, and helping them feel remembered and loved.

Having Elder Taylor there made this conference an especially meaningful experience for Elder Yu. I hope the counsel shared that day gave him fresh ideas and encouragement as he continues serving in Utah.

Missionary life is made up of many different experiences: studying, teaching, travelling, meeting people, and learning alongside companions and fellow missionaries. Conferences like this offer a chance to pause, listen, and consider how to serve more effectively.

I am grateful that Elder Yu gets to learn from leaders and missionaries with different experiences and perspectives. I hope he continues to take these lessons to heart and discovers new ways to bless the lives of those he meets.

Another chapter in his mission, another opportunity to learn and become better.

Elder Yu Is in Good Hands ❤️

Seeing Sister Joyce’s message at 6:15 a.m. made me so happy. ❤️

Elder Yu unexpectedly bumped into Marion’s best friend! It felt like a little reminder from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that He is watching over my son and that Elder Yu is in good hands. My heart felt comforted and loved.

A New Chapter Begins: Welcome to the Utah Ogden Mission 6 August 2024

After completing his training at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, Elder Yu officially began the next chapter of his missionary journey in the Utah Ogden Mission.

One of the first important moments was meeting his mission president, President Scheltinga, and Sister Scheltinga. They would become important guides and sources of support throughout his mission. I imagine how meaningful it must have been for Elder Yu to meet the leaders who would help him grow spiritually, learn to serve, and become a better missionary.

Next came the official pairing with his companion, Elder Flashman. From this point on, they would work together, teach the gospel, meet new people, and support one another through the challenges and joys of missionary life. Having a companion means learning patience, teamwork, and Christlike love while sharing the responsibility of serving the Lord.

Elder Yu also had the opportunity to meet other missionaries serving in the Utah Ogden Mission. Surrounded by so many young men and women who had left their homes to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, he became part of a larger missionary family, united by a common purpose and faith.

Leaving the MTC and entering the mission field marked a significant milestone. His preparation at the MTC had given him a foundation, but now the real experiences of missionary service would begin—learning the area, meeting the people, building relationships, and finding opportunities to share his testimony.

I feel grateful to see him take this step forward. There will surely be days of excitement, challenges, and lessons he could never have learned in a classroom alone. My hope is that he will trust the Lord, love the people he serves, and remember why he chose to become a missionary.

Welcome to the Utah Ogden Mission, Elder Yu! May this new chapter bring meaningful experiences, lasting friendships, spiritual growth, and many opportunities to serve with all your heart. ❤️

1st Week on the Field

This is a crazy start to my first week on my mission and I love it soo farrrr. I am am able to meet with so many different kinds of people and to teach and to love them sometimes it's definitely not easy nonetheless it's something the Savior will do, to love one another as I have love you and to preach the gospel to every person on earth!!

Well there are several encounters I have met which are CRAZYYY but before we go there I want to tell you about my journey to Ogden. Well woke up like 3 something and prepared myself by 4, knock on several doors to say my last goodbyes especially with my comp Elder Lin. And afterwards travelled all the way to the travel office and waited there. Which Elder Morris and Elder Bragonje were departing soon as well. I love how on my way the Polynesians were there to say their goodbyes instead of sleeping. No idea how they survive during classes. And well yeah we departed at 5:37am using the bus to Provo Central Station and used the train from there. While other missionaries got down at North Temple Station to head over to teh airport, I sat in the train all the way to the last station which is in Ogden!! And it's soo exciting got to read the scripture with a member on the train.

Arriving at Ogden I was fetched by the AP (Asisting President) missionaries which they help me as we went to get our errands done. And I met my mission president, President and Sis Sceltinga and they are such nice people too, humble and fun. Nonetheless I am still slightly afraid of them . Need some time to adjust myself.

Later on finally met with my comps Elder Flashman (11 months in the field) and Elder Stallings (3 more days left on the mission). And they are the best trainers I ever have. They help me through my hardest time while adapting in the field. And the people we met are CRAZYYYYY like there is soo many people in need of the gospel as well as the comfort and joy it gives for their lives. We met several who are new and many who needs to strengthen their faith and understanding of the gospel. Which iss soo amazing

I had the opportunity to meet a polite BASHERRR (Someone who argues for the sake of arguing) on my second day and it is insane with the things he knows but also at the same time his beliefs are all jumbled with with many other religion's teaching trying to make it work. However he does desire to come to learn teh truth and that's why we are there to give him the truth and invite him to invite the Holy Ghost to learn and to recognize it. Though it felt like a heated conversation, I felt the spirit and it's prompting whole my comps and I are teaching them.

Had the opportunity to meet and give a blessing to a family that has a hard time. Nonetheless reminded me of my family when I was younger, how missionaries brought jot into my family life's and to me as well. And that family wanted to have more classes with us missionaries and to help them prepare themselves for the most ultimate goal and that's to have them seal in the TEMPLEE.

Lastly, I had the opportunity to bless someone on their death bed before meeting death the next day and it was a grandma of the family we taught, I recalled how the spirit is soo strongly there with u to comfort and bless us with peace. I also came to love this missionary work having the power God gave to bless others with the priesthood is AMAZINGGG AD DIVINE One of the most important gift Heavenly Father gave us. It's sooo wonderful to learn that our Father in Heaven wanted us to go through life with His help, and even His power to help us throughout the many hardships we will face!!. He never did leave us alone, but always by our side ready to catch, support and care for us whenever we choose to lean on Him.

Even had the opportunity to eat with the Chinese members in the Hillcrist 3rd Ward and it's AMAZINGGG. LIKE THE FOOOD it's been such a long time since I had a 中餐。I love it picture this, you are traveling from your home to somewhere which you'll need to be. You arewandering in a new world and you are taking everything in one moment at a time, whilst helping others to come and learn something new!! And you have nothing left to remind you about your home till you suddenly met something familiar.

An air with a personality that attracts your nose, reminding you of your childhood and the live you had everything you were having meals with family, friends and live ones. That gradually from the nose getting this memory lane, your tongue gets nostalgia and a warm embrace of love!!❤️❤️. Soo when I had 2 dinners with Huang Family and a few Sisters just past 2 days it is ❤️‍.

Here they are

Also Idaho

Also came to Idaho tooooooo!!!!.

Even though my mission is hard my comps are always there to help comfort and guide me to do better, plan better and overcome the obstacles I face and being a better disciple of Christ Sooo I am doing my best and I want to do much much more better than yesterday each day. One step at a time.

Also here is some of my ZONEEEE!!!

Also I learn and testify that

1. Eternal life is given to us because it's a part of God's Plan of Salvation

2. Eternal life is one of the  greatest gift God gave us and wants us to have

3. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us all sooo much we have no idea

4. We are all a child of God

5. We are called to serve the Lord and do His work. We have the power and light to help others to come to know, come to learn and come to love Him each day

6. The Book of Mornmon is the word of God, and I testify that it's God's way of expressing His love for us and coming to understand Him even more better

7. We are here to fulfill our purpose because we are here to spread this joy to all who have the desire to heat, understand and learn in their heart and mind.

8. The Holy Ghost testify what we says, and it's through the Power of the Holy Ghost that the words of God pierces the hearts of His children, to the soul and mind.

Lunch Date with Annabelle

A little lunch outing with Annabelle at Sushi Zanmai, Main Place Mall, USJ 21.

We enjoyed a variety of Japanese dishes, from a warm pot of soup and comforting rice bowls to our favourite sushi bites. Of course, there were also a few playful moments and photos along the way!

Sometimes, the nicest part of going out for a meal isn’t just the food, but having time to sit together, chat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company without rushing.

Just a simple lunch date, good food, and another little memory with Annabelle to keep. ❤️