Promptings to Minister?

Yesterday during I was driving out to buy lunch as I did not cook for Sunday after the virtual sacrament meeting. I received a WhatsApp message from Sister Joyce.

Sister Joyce was mentioning that she can’t help but notice that one of the sisters whom previously at Subang Jaya branch but lives at Shah Alam was not in the ministering list. She asked if she has overlooked.

I just texted her back that particular sister’s name is listed in the District 2 list. Then she replied to me that she managed to see her name in that list.

After I came into the office this morning, my mind was thinking of this particular sister. Sister Luisa birthday is today and so many members that wished her in the WhatsApp chat group.

I checked the birthday calendar, and so co-incidentally that sister’s birthday shared the same day as Sister Luisa today. Thus, I think it is an opportunity for me to wish her happy birthday and starts a conversation with her. I just get her hand phone number and start to WhatsApp her.

I wished her happy birthday and introduced myself as the Relief Society President from Puchong branch. Surprisingly she replied me. I asked her permission for me to add her contacts into the both Puchong Branch chat group and Puchong Relief Society chat group. Briefly introduced to her that there are the group which we will post any branch activities and Relief Society activities. She gave me the permission to add her in our chat group.

I continued to brief her that, we are conducting our Sunday School through Zoom every 1st and 3rd Sunday after sacrament meeting. And Relief Society classes every 2nd and 4th Sunday after sacrament meeting. There is a Mandarin gospel class on Zoom every Sunday which joined by the Mandarin speaking members from different cities in Malaysia. She was quite happy to know that.

I suggested that I would send the Mandarin zoom link to her if she would like to try it out so that she can decide for herself if she is feels good about the class, then she can join the Mandarin class chat group. I invited her to join for this coming Saturday Relief Society Ministering Workshop Online Activity too if she has time.

I am glad that I finally acted upon the thoughts or promptings that came to my mind this morning, and Sister Joyce’s messages yesterday. Her name has been came to my mind for quite sometime, and I kept on delaying the promptings of contacting her. It was like Sister Joyce reminds me on the promptings that I need to reach out to this sister.

I texted to Sister Joyce and thanks her for reminding me of that particular sister. I mentioned to Sister Joyce that I thought that particular sister does not want to join our Puchong branch chat group, because previously all the sisters had been added in but without her. Moreover that particular sister’s name was in the less active sisters list.

I shared with Sister Joyce my thoughts and feelings as it was quite surprised to me that, that particular sister replied my messages and she is willing to join our branch chat group. I learned my lesson here today that I need to follow the prompting to act.

Sister Joyce shared with me that the sister became less active because she had misunderstand with the sisters in the branch before, but after Brother Felix and she fellowship and encourage her, then they manage to ask Presidency to add her name back to their branch chat group and the sister was fine with it, as earlier on the sister just leave the group.

Later I just shared with Sister Joyce that I had assigned 3 sisters to minister to her, as part of our efforts in ministering to the less active sisters. Sister Joyce shared that it would be a good idea as this sister also need new friends too.

I thanked Sister Joyce again for reminding me, if not I surely will miss her out. It is because the fears of rejection and feelings of shyness, inadequacy, or being an inconvenience keep on came to my mind that hinder me from following the prompting to minister.

I am grateful to the promptings and the patience that the Lord has for me as I am so slow and sometimes ignorance the promptings from the Spirit.

One by One

It was about nearly 8.00pm, I received a WhatsApp message from Sister Sally. She need my help to choose for Frank, her son a Chinese character names from 2 different source: one is from Frank’s kindergarten teacher and the other one is from Frank’s primary teacher.

After which during our text and voice messages, I got to know her family name and she would like to put her family name into Frank’s Chinese character name. I seek her approval for me to share it with Sister Vivian, as she is a sister from Taiwan and her Mandarin should be better than me.

After discussed with Sister Vivian then both of us agreed that we choose what we think is the better one. Then I called Sister Sally and shared with her about our thoughts on Frank’s Chinese character name.

After checking with her how is Frank’s first online school day today, then I only got to know that she and Frank had been quarantined in the home for few days already. It was due to her brother had been diagnosed with COVID-19 positive.

Sister Sally shared with me how she and her brother were trying their best in overcome this challenges and she was not able to go to work and all these days were unpaid leaves. But she sounds very positive facing all that had happened. She reassured that she and Frank are in good conditions as they do not have the COVID-19 symptoms.

It was indeed feeling great to hear her nice and beautiful voice that transpired through the hand phone sounds so happy and joy during this period of time. I did ask her please do not feel shy to reach out to us if she needs anything or our assistance. She promised that she would. We wish take care and stay safe to each other before we ended our tele-conversation.

After put down my hand phone, there is an impression come into my mind – One by One. That was and is how the Savior do His ministering work. This had reaffirmed to me that what the Spirit is trying to teach me.

As what Elder Ming-Shun Kuan of the Seventy taught,

“Ministering one by one is the way of the Savior… as we follow His example, learn of His ways, and minister to those family members, friends, and brothers and sisters around us. When we do this, we will feel and experience the meekness and lowliness in heart of the Savior and find rest unto our souls.⁵”

And, I am grateful that the Lord reveals to me that I should Ministering One by One. One at a Time.

Ministering Assignments

It took us quite sometime to put up the new ministering list, and I had decided to post the detailed ministering list in the Relief Society WhatsApp group chat.

The purposes of which letting the sisters check the information as stated in the Church record is the latest information of theirs and their family, such as the hand phone contacts, home address and email address.

And at the same time, can let the sisters know who is who’s ministering sisters. I did this before in the group chat, but this is the first time I did after we have joined by more sisters into Puchong branch.

After a while, I received a message from Sister Annie that one of the sisters was not comfortable as her home address was shown in the public. Immediately after that the sister personally message me if is it possible that the addresses can be removed from the list and kept private. Thus, I deleted the detailed ministering list and replaced with the proposed ministering assignment list, which without information but just the names of the sisters.

Later I just checked with the sister would want her information to keep private from her companion sister too, and I apologized to her for putting up the list that had made her feel uncomfortable.

The sister shared with me that she is ok sharing her information with her companion sister and all the sisters whom are ministering to her and she is ministering to. She was not comfortable with having that information being made public and she is staying alone, so she just wanted to be safe than sorry.

After which I apologize to her again as I being not sensitive enough and I will forward the ministering list separately then. She asked me not to be worried about it, thanks and appreciate for having the trouble to send the ministering list separately to the sisters.

This incident have given me some thoughts that I never experience before when I serve my calling. I guess all these while I am not sensitive enough to the needs of the sisters. This is quite an embarrassing experience as I am like in the spotlight and being watching by all the sisters in the group chat.

After the text communications with the sister, I feel more easy and comfortable. But I am grateful that it gives me a chance to sort of get to know the sister and knows about her concerns.

The first thought that came to my mind is the Lord is teaching me to minister His sheep one by one. Ministering one by one is how the Savior does.

I have been struggled with ministering for quite sometime even before I received my current calling as Relief Society President. I think my calling came as a result of my prayer to the Lord seeking for help to improve in my ministering. Not knowing before hand, this small prayer of mine had caught me red handed and such a weight just landed on my shoulders.

For the first year of my calling, I have tried and juggling between my work, serve in the Church, my family responsibilities. I had already wanted to give up especially after came back from Kuching which we celebrated Chinese New Year there.

I had been lectured much from my sister in-law as my roles as a mother to monitor and cultivate both my children’s interest and attentions into their studies. Well it is a good wake up call for myself, and at that moment I was feeling not up to standard of being a ‘Mother’.

Last year after I talked to the branch president, then the MCO lockdown occurred in our country. While during at home busy preparing meals and household chores, both of my counsellors came up to me and reminded me that we should strengthen each sisters so that they would be spiritual uplifted during this pandemic.

Even though I thought that I would be released soon but I still need to continue to fulfil my calling till the day I will be released. Sisters were happy when we did our video calling them. And that was how I learned more about sweetness of the fruits of ministering. Seeing the beautiful faces of the sisters and how firm their foundation are strengthen me.

After our country started to go for the recovery order, my life again with the work, daily chores, everyday errant and I kind of lacking in my service while the Church from last March 2020 till now is unable to open again due to the spike of Covid-19 cases again.

Due to Puchong branch Relief Society members became larger after the ex Subang Jaya Relief Society sisters joined in, we need to adjust the new ministering list.

I feel as it is quite difficult for me alone to do the assignment list. I have been hearing about that I can get the revelation I needed to do it because I the Lord will inspire me to do so.

I am not sure if the list which I came out is good enough for all the sisters, but I hope that everyone of us the sisters can able to try to do that little part of this caring about a sister life and becoming part of her life.

And today I know that, the Lord is further to teach me to minister one by one as He did, which I am grateful for – that I still able to recognize this impression that came.

I thanked for the continuous teaching that He willingly to pour unto me, even though sometime I have become numb to that still, small yet powerful voice that is always ready to guide me daily.

I know that He is there to give me experience that He knows that I lack of. I am grateful for that I did not miss the opportunity that He gives me to truly hear and connect with that sister and getting to know her better.

A Small Journal for A Sister

I received a text message from Sister Sophia last two weeks ago. It was a Sunday night. She told me that she might need a new journal book, as her current one already filled with her testimony.

This message brings some joy to me. I have been encourage the sisters in Relief Society to write down their testimonies ever since I have been called as the Relief Society President.

Our baptismal covenant is to remember Jesus Christ, by writing down our testimonies is one of the ways that we remember Him. I believe that writing our own testimonies into the journal or any kind of gratitude journal is a way to remind ourselves, what God had done for us and how we can see His hand in our life.

I did tell the sisters that they can ask from me anytime if they want a second book after they finish their first book. Sister Sophia is the first sister that asked me for a second journal book. I feel so encourage as there is someone indeed listen into her heart and writing her testimonies become an important part of her life.

Buying a simple note book from shop, searching for their favourite scripture versus and general conference quote online, getting to print it out and plastic laminated and paste them as the cover of the journal, decorate the inner cover page with some other general conference quotes – that is how I normally do for the journal that I want to gift to the sisters.

It cost a little may be is RM10.00 per journal book, but I feel joy when I see and hear when the sisters benefited from this small little journal book that I gift them.

After Issac’s art class at Citta Mall, I drove to Puchong Mas where Sister Sophia lives. I met with her mum Sister Teresa, to pass her the journal book as she was still working and not at home. We have a brief chat as the Condominium Building Management, just checked on each other how were things going on lately.

I received a text from Sister Sophia in the evening that she likes the journal book very much. I just replied her that she is most welcome to look for me after she finish this new journal book of her.

I am grateful that at least I have a chance to serve the sisters in the branch, hope to bring a little bit of light to the sisters in the branch.

A Sweet Message ^^

I saw a message today and it brings joy to my heart ^^! The message was from Sister Sophia.

I feel happy as this is the first time that I am being the answer for someone’s prayer. It feel as I was heeded the prompting from the Holy Ghost, and do what the Lord wants me to do. And the feeling of your efforts indeed appreciated by someone is great!

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

Yesterday when I was studying Matthew 14, I came across this talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson. In actual fact, I heard 3 video clips from Mormon channel before this, I kind of like it and I remembered it.

I shared with E Chin yesterday on this message too. I shared with her one of the video clip. I shared with her frankly that I too, face the tight financial challenge every month.

Though I still pay my tithing, that is the least thing that I can do as I have covenanted with the Lord before my baptism. Paying tithing was one of the important matters that I pondered a lot before my baptism, besides the Word of Wisdom. I do not know but I just know that some how I would be ok even sometimes it is really so stress out.

“Some time before I was called as a General Authority, I faced a personal economic challenge that persisted for several years. It did not come about as a consequence of anyone’s wrongdoing or ill will; it was just one of those things that sometimes come into our lives. It ebbed and flowed in seriousness and urgency, but it never went away completely. At times this challenge threatened the welfare of my family and me, and I thought we might be facing financial ruin. I prayed for some miraculous intervention to deliver us. Although I offered that prayer many times with great sincerity and earnest desire, the answer in the end was “No.” Finally I learned to pray as the Savior did: “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). I sought the Lord’s help with each tiny step along the way to a final resolution.”

“There were times when I had exhausted all my resources, when I had nowhere or no one to turn to at that moment, when there was simply no other human being I could call on to help meet the exigency before me. With no other recourse, more than once I fell down before my Heavenly Father begging in tears for His help. And He did help. Sometimes it was nothing more than a sense of peace, a feeling of assurance that things would work out. I might not see how or what the path would be, but He gave me to know that, directly or indirectly, He would open a way. Circumstances might change, a new and helpful idea might come to mind, some unanticipated income or other resource might appear at just the right time. Somehow there was a resolution.”

“Though I suffered then, as I look back now, I am grateful that there was not a quick solution to my problem. The fact that I was forced to turn to God for help almost daily over an extended period of years taught me truly how to pray and get answers to prayer and taught me in a very practical way to have faith in God. I came to know my Savior and my Heavenly Father in a way and to a degree that might not have happened otherwise or that might have taken me much longer to achieve. I learned that daily bread is a precious commodity. I learned that manna today can be as real as the physical manna of biblical history. I learned to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I learned to walk with Him day by day.”

“Asking God for our daily bread, rather than our weekly, monthly, or yearly bread, is also a way to focus us on the smaller, more manageable bits of a problem. To deal with something very big, we may need to work at it in small, daily bites. Sometimes all we can handle is one day (or even just part of one day) at a time.”

“The Spirit can guide us when to look ahead and when we should just deal with this one day, with this one moment. If we ask, the Lord will let us know through the Holy Ghost when it may be appropriate for us to apply in our lives the commandment He gave His ancient Apostles: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof” (3 Nephi 13:34; see also Matthew 6:34).”

I was so touched with Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s testimony. His testimony made me feel as I have to learn to be humble like he is. He is not spare from trials and challenges too, even he is an apostle of the Lord. He taught me something: When we expect the Lord will give us quick solutions to our problems, we fail to see the greater purpose in the delay of His aid.

Then, I read the talk and especially love how Elder D. Todd Christofferson began his talk inviting us to look to God for what is needed each day. It gives me a new perspective or moment of learning to pray and get answers from the Lord and how to put it practically.

“Thoughtful planning and preparation are key to a rewarding future, but we do not live in the future—we live in the present. It is day by day that we work out our plans for the future; it is day by day that we achieve our goals. It is one day at a time that we raise and nurture our families. It is one day at a time that we overcome imperfections. We endure in faith to the end one day at a time. It is the accumulation of many days well-lived that adds up to a full life and a saintly person. And so I would like to talk to you about living well day by day.”

“Included in the Lord’s Prayer is the petition “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11) or “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). I believe that we would all readily acknowledge that we have needs each day that we want our Heavenly Father’s help in dealing with. For some, on some days, it is quite literally bread—that is, the food needed to sustain life that day. It could also be spiritual and physical strength to deal with one more day of chronic illness or a painfully slow rehabilitation. In other cases it may be less tangible needs, such as things related to one’s obligations or activities in that day—teaching a lesson or taking a test, for example.”

“Jesus is teaching us, His disciples, that we should look to God each day for the bread—the help and sustenance—we require in that particular day. This is consistent with the counsel to “pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul” (2 Nephi 32:9).”

“The Lord’s invitation to seek our daily bread at our Heavenly Father’s hand speaks of a loving God, aware of even the small, daily needs of His children and anxious to assist them, one by one. He is saying that we can ask in faith of that Being “that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given” (James 1:5). That is, of course, tremendously reassuring, but there is something at work here that is more significant than just help in getting by day to day. As we seek and receive divine bread daily, our faith and trust in God and His Son grow.”

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

CES Fireside for Young Adults • January 9, 2011 • Brigham Young University

I feel that since the day I have been set apart by the Branch Presidency, I can feel the Spirit easily and it does influence me to make the better choices. I have never experience it before. I feel grateful for the Lord on the calling and blessings which He gives me and my family daily.

Fix Our Eyes on Jesus during Storm

During lunch time Sister E Chin messaged me that she need to talk with someone, and if I can call her. I called her and I can hear that she was in sadness. Thieves broke in to her house yesterday. She sounded fine when I called her last night, but may be because she was busy handled all the aftermath of the broke in.

She told me that she is very tired as Chelsea and she had been through a lot lately – losing job, fallen sick, financially tight, and now house got broke in. The thieves broke in and took away only monies, but not other things.  Suddenly I understand what she meant. At least this is a blessing for her.

She felt sad and do not know what is the direction to go and seek for the Lord for answer and directions. She knows what she is doing is right but all those challenges come till she found herself in a very difficult situation financially now. She is having fear. She is seeking for what to do next. Her mind is troubled. I told her that I know what she experienced because I experience the same thing almost every month.

I was studying Matthew 14 this morning. Just as after I heard what she have to say, I have a feeling of telling her of what I have just learned. This chapter is about after learning of John the Baptist’s death, Jesus sought solitude, but He was followed by a multitude of people. He had compassion on them, healed their sick, and miraculously fed more than 5,000 of them.

I illustrated to her the same thing as she was very sad and do not know how to go on. It is almost the same thing like Jesus was. He tried to be alone to mourn or grieve, but others were seeking His attention. The next thing He did is showing compassion for others. It is almost the similar thing that Sister E Chin does with Sister Chelsea. Sister E Chin helped her going through her difficulties.

The second story in the Matthew chapter 14 is Jesus walks on the sea during a storm. He instructed His disciples to travel by ship to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He sent the multitude away. It was evening when Jesus was alone on the mountain and the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, and then they seeing someone walking on the water. They were afraid. they thought He was a spirit. Jesus called to them, “It is I; be not afraid.”

In the story, Peter wanted to walk on the water too. Jesus told Peter to come to Him. Peter climbed out of the boat. He began to walk on the water toward the Savior. Because the wind was blowing hard, Peter became afraid. He began to sink into the water and cried our to Jesus to save him. The Savior took Peter’s hand. He asked Peter why he did not have more faith.

In our real life too, it is normal for us to be scared and afraid as what Peter felt. Like Peter we might sometimes fail to maintain our faith in Jesus Christ and might succumb to fear, doubt, and discouragement when we face our challenges. In another way, like Peter if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and maintain our faith in Him, we will not be overcome by our fears and doubts, but He can lift us from our fears and doubts.

It is normal that we would be afraid. I told her that even though God might not always spare us from struggles, He knows what we are experiencing and will, in His own time, come to our aid. It is the same thing that happened here, God knows what is happening to her now, and He definitely will come to comfort or comfort her.

E Chin told me that she was feeling better after talked to me. I told her frankly that I am not sure that if I manage to help her, but I just feel that I should share with her this chapter that I read.

I know that it is not only for her, but a reminder for myself as well. The Lord is counselling me in whatever circumstances that I am facing, it is just like this story of Matthew chapter 14. I should be focused on Jesus Christ and always show compassion for others even though I walk through or in the storm of life.

We lose Ourselves… We Find Ourselves

I was just wanted to start to read the General Conference talk that Sister Annie was shared in the Relief Society group chat, as I flipped through the pages on my hand, and my eyes spotted this sentence.

“When serving our God becomes our main priority in life, we lose ourselves, in due coarse, we find ourselves.”

And that sentences lead me to the following scriptures from Matthew 16:24-25 :

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

I remember the chat that I had with Sister Robinia last Saturday morning at Church, she were mentioning something like this as well.

As we are doing our ministering or missionary work, we would face challenges and we know our weaknesses and strengths, it is just like the process of discovering ourselves, and getting to know ourselves better and be perfected like our Savior Jesus Christ.

I am so grateful for the chat that Sister Robinia and I had last Saturday morning.

I really feel the love of Heavenly Father to me and us as daughters in His kingdom. I really can see His messages that come like a stream of water that flowing slowly as I can feel it.

Work to Do

To be honest, I feel myself as I was overwhelmed by the messages that flows in front of me for the past weeks since the day I have been sustained as Relief Society President. My mind was blank and do not know what to do about it.

I was thinking about Sister Sandy these few days and I do not feel good about it. I know I have to do something but I just feel that, that something I should do is the thing I do not want to do by my own. I was troubled.

I gave Sister E Chin a call and told her what was bothering my mind and she listened to whatever I have to say. Then, she advised me that I should do that thing which I do not want to do because it is the Lord’s work. If it is necessary that I should apply a non-paid leave to minister her, then let it be because the blessings that I already see and received are way more than that a day of unpaid leave…

Suddenly I just silence because what Sister E Chin said is true… I have been seeing the blessings that come into my life and my family – going to the temple with a minimal costs; I have been experienced the Spirit guiding me through the scriptures, the ministering of other sisters and I started to learn what the Lord wants me to do.

In Sister Sandy case, it seems as I received the inspirations which I should go and do but my heart is keep on resisting it. Sister E Chin said, that is what the Spirit wants me to do but of coarse it is my agency and choice to do it or not. Thus, she advised me to make a phone call to Sister Sandy just to talk to her and invite her to sit down and get to know more about what she has been through lately of her work issue, after Church this Sunday. Instead of resisting it and fear, let it comes as the Lord’s way. Especially now I am holding the calling now as a Relief Society President.

After my tele-conversation with Sister E Chin, I called Sister Sandy. She picked up the call on my second attempts, from the background I noticed that she was busy with some matters which need to settle. I checked with her, if she will be coming to Church this Sunday, may be we can have a talk after the Church session. She was fine with the arrangement.

I feel as my burden was lifted up. This reminds me that the scripture from 1 Nephi 3:7 earlier this year which the Lord wanted me to keep in my mind:

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men,save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

~ 1 Nephi 3:7

I have made a promise with the Lord that I will go and do the things which He had commanded and this including my calling as Relief Society President as well. I should have more faith in the Lord that he shall prepare a way for me too that I may accomplish the things which He commanded me to do!

Empathy to Minister

I have read an article in the February issue of Ensign magazine “Developing Empathy to Minister”. I was drawn to the first few sentences that strike my eyes.

Ministering is lifting. We can lift others as we try to understand what they are experiencing and show that we are willing to walk with them.

What is Empathy? Empathy is understanding another person’s feelings, thoughts, and condition from their perspective, rather than our own. Walking in someone else’s shoes. Being emphatic is important in our efforts to minister to others.

Honestly I was a little bit of exhausted for the past few weeks, struggling on what I needed to do and supposed to do. This article have gave me a new insight on how Jesus Christ ministered with empathy.

When the Savior appeared to the Nephites. He taught  them until He perceived that they could not understand  everything He had  to teach them. But as He considered them, He knew that they didn’t want Him to leave, but He felt compassionate for them.

He responded by shifting from expounding on the gospel to ministering to their temporal needs, inviting them to bring forward those who were sick, lame, blind, or maimed. He healed them. Then He prayed for them and ministered to their children, spending them with them individually to bless them.

When I have read this, I am starting to ponder about what can I learn from the Savior’s example of empathy in ministering to the Nephites. It is indeed troubled me with this due to what I have experienced and I personally find that it is quite difficult for me to apply this principle when it comes to minister to temporal needs.

During I was at Church today while Annabelle and Issac were having their seminary and violin classes, I have the opportunity to sit down with Sister Robinia and we have a little conversation about this.

I shared with her this article and what troubled me on this principle especially the ministering to temporal needs. How sometimes it seems to be difficult for me to do. After listening to my concerns, Sister Robinia gave her opinion or what she understand about this principle.

Sister Robinia shared that, ministering work is just like missionary work. When Jesus ministered to the Nephites, He knows and aware of what their temporal needs. In this context, when we minister to the sisters, they might have their own temporal needs which they think they need, and most of the time the temporal needs they think they should have are not the things which the Lord think they need.

As we minister to the sisters, we would rely on the Spirit guidance to know what we see or feel that the sisters’ temporal needs. She counselled to me that, if the temporal needs which the sisters requested are beyond my comfort level, it is ok to decline it. Sometimes, every each individual has their own challenges or trials that they need to face it of their own.

Sister Robinia shared with me her experience during her missionary. She said that, during when we minister to others, we will rediscover ourselves, we realise our weakness and we try to make it better. As we serve others, we get to know ourselves.

I was comforted today and the uneasiness and what was troubled in my mind for the past weeks. I thanked her for her counsels and her testimony.

The article also shared how we can develop empathy by understand, imagine and respond. As we consider the circumstances of those we minister to, imagine being in their situation and what we would find most helpful if we were in their shoes. Pray to understand how they feel and follow through. Our response may be simple, but it may be more meaningful.

Availability : In Stock!

I was browsing the Church online store and something indeed caught my eyes. I still remember that yesterday when I checking on the New Testament 2019 Come, Follow Me – for Primary manual for teaching younger and older children in Primary class this year, it stated that only can be delivered after 31 March. Today it have been in stock!

Immediately in my heart I know that the Lord have made it easy for me! I was thinking of getting one of this Primary manual for Sister Sylvia.

Last two Sundays, 27 January 2019, during Relief Society class, Sister Sylvia did ask and check with me on how to use the new manual New Testament 2019 Come, Follow Me – for Individuals and Families to teach her children.

At that point of time I shared with her how I use the manual to teach both Issac and Annabelle at home. Then, at that Sunday night I was thinking that my children are much much more older than her kids. She might need more children resources than the individuals and families manual.

After I searched around in our Church website and Gospel Library app, later the next day on Monday I WhatsApp her how she could do it. I messaged her to go to the Come, Follow Me for Primary in the Gospel Library app. As that is the teacher manual which they use to teach the children on every Sunday, but I think it is no harm that she can read through the contents, because it have many ideas to teach younger children and older children.

As Melvis and Sonia considered younger children, I suggested to Sister Sylvia that she can use the ideas to teach them. She may not need to teach all, but spread it out every night at a fix time, suggested may be after dinner 8.30pm – 8.45pm, that she can have some activities with her children.

I told her that it is OK that only 15 minutes. Younger children would love some interactive activities such as stories, watch videos, drawing, role play or object. I suggested to her that she can try all these out.

Another resources, would be go to Church website. Under the Resources for Teaching Children, lesson helps by topic. She can search for the related colouring pages or activities under those topics.

I messaged Sister Sylvia that it would be a bit troublesome for her, as she might need to do some research online and print out the materials, but I assuring her that I know that her family will be blessed if she follow this Come, Follow Me program.

I messaged her that she can get the help from the Primary teachers if she need their input or help on this, I think they will gladly to help her out too!

Sister Sylvia later messaged me that she is very appreciate on the ideas that I shared with her.

It has been 2 weeks passed since our WhatsApp messages, I was keeping in my mind about this and how I can make it easier for her? May be a Primary manual would be helpful and hands on for her. Thus, I was looking at our Church online store, can I purchase the manual and give to her as a gift.

For days, the item is not available till yesterday, I was thinking and praying in my heart that, if the Lord might make it easier for me and no need to wait till after 31 March 2019. I can able to minister her. I was really glad that Sister Sylvia took the effort to ask on how to teach her children which is very awesome! I hope that my suggestions is helpful for her.

Today the Lord is make it possible for me to minister Sister Sylvia! I have ordered 3 Primary manuals just in case I can still share with other sisters whom have the children in the Primary.

I know that the Lord will make a way for us if we sincerely come unto Him and serve Him and labour in His kingdom. I really hope by my new calling as Relief Society President, I can reach out to more sisters and help them strengthen their homes and families, and stay on the covenant path.

Ministering Thoughts…

I was sharing with Sister Robinia that I have a feeling as like every each time after ministering, I myself is the one whom feel more edifying than the sisters whom I minister with.

I feel the spirit speaks to me while I am ministering the sisters. Most of the time, it is not on the spot kind of things, but it is the realization that I had and only know that I learned about them. And I feel spiritually uplifted.

I hope the sisters would feel the same as I feel when we minister to them too, because I think and feel that it is very important to have the spirit to be with us and that is the reason why and we are striving for.

I asked Robinia, how can we minister to the sisters till this extend? Meaning help them to achieve that? It is not easy because I myself still learning how to listen to the spirit and do what was prompted? Sometimes I am still not sure how to differentiate spirit prompting and my own desires.

Sister Robinia replied, “When you feel the spirit the other also would feel it too unless they choose not to feel it. What you are doing is fine. They did said, before you convert other you have to first convert yourself; It is the same principle for ministering, if one feel the spirit then they too will feel the spirit. My Mission President once said, speak to inspire yourself then you will inspires others.”

I feel as I am edified by reading her messages on phone! See how can I make it better.

Go and Do

Initially I wanted to pass the journal that prepared to Sister Shiyu last Sunday, 3 February at Church, but she was already left when I came out from the President’s office.

So today after Church, I managed to pass the journal to her together with Sister Robinia. I thanked her for the scripture that she shared with me, and I have learned a lot from that and I testify to her that the Lord was sending the His words to me through her and reaffirmed about the things which He would wants me to do.

As we do not have much time to sit down and talk, I promised Sister Shiyu that I will WhatsApp to her then on the experiences that I have been through, and how her favourite scripture enlighten me in certain way.

Last night I shared with her about our family first temple trip and my desire to go to the temple again. I shared with her how Sister Anita favourite scripture had opened my eyes to the word of God, that I was touched by the Spirit reading and realize the meaning of 1 Nephi 3:7.

The Lord does not stopped His revelations there, but continuing flowing in to my life by sending Sister Shiyu to our ministering list. When I got to know Sister Shiyu shared the same favourite scripture with Sister Anita, I was kind of shocked and pondering the scripture 1 Nephi 3:7.

This really reaffirm on the things that the Lord wants me to do! It is really not a co-incident that these two sisters share the same scripture at this point of time. Both Sister Anita and Sister Shiyu were bringing the word of God to me, that it seems clearly to me that the Lord wants me to return to the temple, and I have work to do.

I was teasing Sister Shiyu that, even though she is just in our list for almost 2 weeks, but it is no co-incident that she was just ‘misplaced’ by Sister Peggy, our Relief Society President then to me and Sister Robinia.

I was pondering and thinking what was I thinking about the temple after I got to know Sister Anita’s favourite scripture, was my impression true? Then God send Sister Shiyu to me with her favourite scripture and it really reaffirm the thoughts or impression that I have is true.

I thanked her again for sharing her favourite scripture to me. And I indeed feel the power of ministering, because I have been strengthen by my ministering assignment sisters.

I shared with Sister Shiyu that, I try my best to write whatever thoughts and what I experienced, by doing so that is how I discover the things that the Lord wants me to do. That is the reason why I encourage sisters to write it down, because we would never know, the things we write would be the light that light up us when we need it the most.

Today I received Sister Shiyu’s reply. She is so happy to read and to know that her favourite scripture helped me a lot. She is being frank that she does have a lot of favourite scripture, but in the end she still choose 1 Nephi 3:7, and she believe that the Lord wants her to share it again to me!

I told her that, she is indeed beautiful angel that ministered to me. I shared with her a General Conference talk – O Remember, Remember by President Henry B. Eyring on October 2007.

I shared with her that, I started to write more frequently after I read this talk. And, writing the experiences that I have, bring me to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me and my family.

Ministering Gifts

These 2 are the ministering gifts that I had prepared for Sister Sandy’s family for our ministering today. It is the framed Proclamation to the Word in both Chinese and Vietnamese language.

Today is the first day of Chinese New Year and it is a great time that our family can visit Sister Sandy and Brother Woon family. We had lunch at her house. She was preparing vegetarian meal and according to her this is their home tradition. We have a good time at her house.

Continue to Minister

I had a sleepless night last night. My mind was distracted and I was emotionally disturb. I am not really happy with my current state. I given much thoughts on the tele-conversation with Alvin.

This morning I WhatsApp Alvin and apologize to him that if previously he did tell me about the dealing with Sister Sandy which I did not really listen into his words, as I did remember he mentioned before.

I called Sister Peggy this morning to tell her all about last night tele-conversation. I do feel troubled and not comfortable at all. She consoled me that it is normal and she had been through the same experience as I did.

She asked me to just follow my heart, do which is comfortable to me and do not push myself to do the thing which I do not want to. If that thing is beyond my limit, just say no and stop. I feel the same way too.

Sister Peggy counselled that there might be other things which I can do for Sister Sandy such as, give her an inspiring scripture verses or General Conference quotes, and some ideas about Self-Reliance too. After my tele-conversation with Sister Peggy, I felt better.

Around 10.00am, Sister E Chin texted me to check with me whether am I going back hometown to celebrate Chinese New Year. I just replied her no and I gave her a call. I just need to talk to her. It really feels as the Lord prompted E Chin to message me, and it indeed at the right time when I need someone to talk.

I shared with her what was happening last night and my uneasy feeling and fear when I want to do the ministering work further. E Chin advised me that I should not be fear. There is reason why one particular sister would placed under Alvin and my ministering assignment. May be I have something that other sisters do not have to help this particular sister.

It is just like how she and Chelsea minister me. E Chin gives me some advices and some ideas on how to minister and she asked me to pray to Heavenly Father seeking for His guidance in helping this particular sister. She asked me to suit up with bullet proof armour too!

I feel really much better after talked to E Chin. I really do believe that my ministering sisters do know my needs and they indeed are guided by the Spirit! It is just like I have been refill with the fresh spring of water and it is totally a different feelings, I have been lifted up!

I have been inspired by Sister Peggy’s ideas about the Self-Reliance. I prayed and there are some ideas came to my mind on how to minister Sister Sandy better. The ideas which she shared about Self-Reliance is really true.

After I have given much thoughts about it,three ministering sisters which we have Sister Yong Yong, Sister Hoor and myself are may be we attended the Self-Reliance classes. This might be the reason why we are put together. I do not know and still not sure and I still need to pray and discuss with both ministering sisters.

It is just like why and how Chelsea and E Chin are my ministering sisters. We too, can do the work like how they minister to me.

Feel Defeated Again…

After what was happened yesterday, today is a peaceful day. I was communicating with Sister Yong Yong as she is Sister Sandy’s ministering sister to see how we can further assist her spiritually.

I decided to give her a call to check on her how is she doing after I have settled down in the home. It was almost 9pm. She was quite offensive during starting of the conversation, but eventually she became relaxed a bit and started to tell me the whole story of her workplace stuffs which I think I need to do is to listen what she has to say.

It took almost 45 minutes and I knew that Alvin must be calling me but unable to get through because I was engaged online. I ended the tele-conversation by telling her that I need to call Alvin as we always will call each other at the night during this time.

Then, I sensed that Sister Sandy’s tone changed and she said that if I need to tell the sisters in the Church about what she had been through and told me that if I am free find one day go to the Labour Department with her together.

At that point of time, I feel really uneasy and not comfortable at all because she was sort of commanding me to go and settled her problem with her. I said to her that, I would seek the counsel from the Branch President on this. She did not say anything and we just casually ended the call.

I feel exhausted after having the tele-conversation with her. I called Alvin after that, I just told him what was happening for the past 2 days and I just totally feel mind drained because of Sister Sandy’s attitude. After he listened to what I have to say, then Alvin told me that, that was exactly what was happening years back during she just baptised into our Church.

Alvin purposely applied half day leave to drive her to the Vietnam Embassy to apply some official documentation. In the end, she was not satisfied in what the Vietnamese Officers requested, even would want to ask Alvin to argue with the officers for her.

Thus, Alvin felt that was the most that he can assist, further more the matter he assist her was her personal matter. That is the reason why after her case, he less and less do his home teaching as it is sometimes so burdening.

He advised me that we strive to assist and do our part and do whatever we can, if the matters are beyond our limitation, we cannot further pursue anymore. Why doing ministering so difficult?

This is the first time I am putting thoughts into it and want to improve my ministering work, and such things happened. It would definitely make me think twice when I think of ministering further. I really feel a little bit scare off after this. I have a sleepless night…

Draining Out…

Today I was feeling totally drained out. I do not know how to describe what I have been through.

I imagine myself as a sugar cane that have been freshly squeezed out the juice inside, already dried out of juice inside; Or I imagine myself as a dying fish laying on the deck of the dock, trying my very best to flip myself towards the open sea.

The feeling was exactly like that. The living water within me has been dried out, and I am thirst for the living water.

I received call from Sister Sandy from her workplace. She sounds so desperate and asked me to immediately go to her workplace because her employer had just fired her and asked her to leave immediately.

I was shocked by her call and I told her that I was unable to do that because I was still working. I just gave her advise that she should at least took some form of official letter from her employer that should guaranteed her salary. She noted and ask me to look for other people that could go and help her, and hang up the phone.

I could not imagine who else can go over to her workplace in the middle of the day and everyone sure have their own matters to settle and do. I gave Sister Sandy a call back and told her that no one that I know off have time to go over to her workplace. I think she was in the middle of talking to her employer and she just noted and hang up the phone.

After an hour she called again and asked me what is the address of the office of Labour Department is and she wanted to go there and asked me to go together with her. I told her that I was unable to go out because I was working and my bosses were in the office. Again, she asked me to get from anybody else that can help her this.

I was telling her that just calm herself down and drive safely and just went straightway home. She kept on telling me and insisted that she wanted to go and lodged a complaint to the Labour Department, kept on asking me to go with her. I told her that I unable to help her on this.

Later in the evening she WhatsApp me a sample of form and asked me about it. It seems to me was a complaint form sample. It seems to me that she was able to settle herself or there was someone helping her. This gave me a thought that may be her ways of doing things is like this – she will call all the persons she know and see whoever that can help her first.

She later asked me what time I would be off today. I told her that after working hour, I need to fetch the children home, and cook for them and watch over their homework. It would be around 9pm already. Later she asked me if I would be free tomorrow. I told her that I have to work tomorrow as well.

My mind was indeed distracted today. Exhausted. I did call Sister Peggy and inform her about what happened today, so that at least she would know the sisters current circumstances.

Prior to this, I did have discussions with the sisters whom minister or communicate with her, just to know her more. It seems like her strong character has frighten those whom wants to minister her. Today including me as well. I wonder how am I going to minister further after today?

I really do not feel comfortable at all. I feel bad that I was unable to help her today, but to me it is the problem that she should face it by her own. Because she is the one who make the choice that she wants to report to the Labour Department and it is her personal matter.It is not a right way to throw her problem to another person to solve for her. She should learn to solve it by her own.

Her negative energy is so strong that able to suck all the energy I have whenever talk with her. I really feel bad and a little guilt on this. I need to really really pray to the Lord on this, and what should I do? How should I minister further?

I Will Go and Do

After the Church yesterday, I managed to catch up with Sister Anita before she went off as she has relatives visits from United States. Together with Sister Robinia, we handed her a journal which I bought in Mr. DIY. I handmade additional their favourite scripture in colour printing lamination on the front cover, some conference talk quotes in the inner cover pages.

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men,save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

~ 1 Nephi 3:7

This is Sister Anita’s favourite scripture. She shared with us last November during when we start to minister her. Sister Anita shared with us that this is one of the first scripture that she memorize as a kid. It gives her motivation that when God instructed her, He also gives her way to do what He asks.

At that point of time, I was not really given much thoughts or pondering about that scripture. After the spiritual experiences that I have been through with Sister Yong Yong’s favourite scripture, I start to ponder about the Sister Anita’s favourite scriptures which she shared with me…

Our family were sealed in the Cebu City Philippines Temple in the year of 2015. That was our family first visit to the holy temple. Alvin and I were having our first endowment at the Cebu City Philippines Temple. Both of us did the ordinances for our deceased parents on that temple trip.

Ever since we did not return to the temple, even my heart wants to go back to the temple at least once a year. After I came back from the Cebu temple, I started to do the research and did family history, and now I have 5 names that can do the ordinances for them. The thoughts of attending the temple would come into my mind on and off reminding me that I have not done the ordinances for them yet.

Last year Issac came back home and told me that there will be a Kuala Lumpur District Youth Temple Trip this year and the youth were asked to save a Ringgit a day to go to the temple. The District Youth Presidency was decided to go to Hong Kong Temple.

I was really happy because the Church teach Issac to save for the temple trip and pay tithe at the same time. I was thinking that this would be his first ever temple trip and do the baptism ordinances for the dead and it is very important to him and to us as a family.

May be Alvin can accompany him to the temple and witness his first baptism ordinance for the dead and this would be meaningful to both of them as father and son spiritual trip. Both of them can help me to do the temple ordinances for my both grandfathers, it would be meaningful to me.

I was feeling a little disappointed at the same time as Annabelle would only turn into 12 years old officially in October 2019. The Kuala Lumpur District Youth Temple Trip is going to be on 28th – 30th March 2019, which mean she cannot make it on that trip.

It would be wonderful if all of us can go back to the temple as a family together, and I can do the temple ordinances for my both grandmothers at the same time as well. It was my wishful thinking in my heart.

Last November after Sister Anita shared her favourite scripture to us, the news of age changes for youth progression and ordinances announced. I still remember on that Saturday morning when I received the email from the Church, I was reading the mail through my IPhone. I was reading the email again and again, it seems so unbelievable! My once a wishful thought might become reality! The Lord knows my desires!

First, Issac can go to the temple at RM300 only and the rest would be subsidized by the Church; then, now after the changes that the Church announced, now Annabelle also can go to the temple at RM300 too. It is a blessing for me! Both Issac and Annabelle can perform the baptism ordinances for my grandparents. Alvin and I can witness their first baptism in the temple, and that is the reason why both of us wanted so badly to join the youth temple trip. That is the reason why I wrote to President Van Cott and Sister Claire on this.

I was thinking that it is already a blessing from the Lord that both children able to go to the temple with our limited financial. Then, it came the good news that Sister Claire brought to me last week as I can able to help out to assist the Young Women leaders during this KL District Youth Temple Trip, and the Church would cover my flight and accommodation. It is indeed another mercy and blessing which the Lord has for me and my family.

I was preparing the little journal for Sister Anita the other day, I was searching online on her favourite scripture. The scripture verse was in front my eyes all the time. I was not so sensitive to it at all.

Suddenly I realized that the Lord really have a work for me to do in the temple. And He is so mercy and gracious that He indeed prepare the way for me to go to the temple! The Lord is waiting for me there!

I was so touched by the Spirit when suddenly I opened my eyes to see this verse – 1 Nephi 3":7 that the Lord wants me to see and the things He wants me to do! The Lord is waiting me to go back to the temple, He has a work for me to do. I know I have to do the temple works for my ancestors! I know He will have further instructions for me.

It was such a spiritual experience that I have been through. To reaffirm what I have in mind, Sister Shiyu too shared with us the same scripture verse 1 Nephi 3:7 as her favourite scripture. It is really not a co-incidence that two sisters share the same scripture at the same time!

I shared with Sister Anita my testimony and I encourage her to write whatever the thoughts and experiences down, because that is how I discover the things that the Lord wants me to do. Further more, we would never know the things we write would be the light that lights us up when we need it.

From now till the time our family go to the temple, 1 Nephi 3:7 would be the light that lights my path bright.

Ministering

I was preparing a framed “Family: A Proclamation to the World” for Sister Peggy and wanted to give to her today. We have a talk before the Sacrament Meeting started.

We were talking about one of the sisters that are under Alvin and my care list as both if us are her ministering couple. After my release from the Primary calling, I want to improve my ministering work to the sisters under my care list.

Since Alvin is not around here due to his job is posted in Johor, thus I think it would be good if I could take up the ministering job and do our part as ministering couple.

Sister Sandy came to church today as she wanted to pass her tithing, she went off before the sacrament meeting end. I just managed to talk to her for awhile only. She asked me to go over to her workplace after church to visit her.

I told her that I can only able to go over after I came back home and settled with children lunch then only I would be able to go over. I did tell Sister Peggy about this and I would update her as well because she is the Relief Society President.

I went over to Sister Sandy’s workplace after I settled down the children and their lunch. Her workplace is a beauty saloon which is located at Bandar Puteri, opposite the Puteri Mart wet market.

It was about 3.13pm when I was there. Sister Sandy was busy with customer. It seems that there is a walk-in customer. So she asked me waited for awhile at the reception. She came out and we chit chat for about 10 minutes.

She mainly expressed her dissatisfaction on the things she facing on her works. More on relationship with her colleagues not so good. It seems that her colleague jealous for her sales. More on HR issues.

I just listened and asked her to be patience unless she would want to change a work environment. She told me that her previous job is less stress and she was getting along well with her boss and colleagues. But the pay there not so much.

Current job here is higher pay and may be that’s why have this sort of problems. I just told her that, may be just treat it as a learning path.

We did not talk much as she need to continue back work. And her lady boss was there too. She said she will call me tonight again after work. I advised her to be patience. And if got time, before sleep, write something. Something that remind us of the Savior, such as what are you grateful for today the Lord have done to you? Even a few lines is ok everyday.

She was troubled with the current issues related to her works. I think she just need a channel to express her unhappiness as I believe she has few friends. What can I do is be there for her to express all the negative or uneasiness within her at the moment, then only she can absorb what is positive and think about the Savior.

I did WhatsApp to Sister Peggy in the evening about my visit to Sister Sandy. She encouraged me that it is a good counsel that we just treat everything as a learning path, and most of the time we do not get anything we want in life to run smooth, the trick is to go along with it and get better in time.

Sister Peggy further encouraged for my efforts being an awesome ministering sister and a tool to Heavenly Father to reach out to one o His daughter. She asked me to stay faithful and steadfast in the gospel despite my challenges, as I will be guided and things will get better in time.

I know that the Lord will reveal to us and that is true especially when we seek His divine help to serve others.

Ministering Is Powerful

What is Your Favourite Scripture?

This is the first question which we asked the sisters which are under our list, after we have the special ministering council meeting last 2 week ago.

Both me and my companion sister were thinking that we should get to know the sisters better, in order for us to do something more for them.

But you never know that from that very favourite scripture - only few lines of words could, eventually turn into something special and encouraging in your life!

That verse of scripture kept on banging on my door for past 2 weeks, but I did not notice it at all...

Until I faced a little trial this week, then only I realized that the Lord is so patience and merciful enough to let me know that, He was already there for me before I anticipate it.

And that favourite scripture would become something that the Lord wants me to know that He loves me so much!

So, take your courage and step out your first tiny step and do the ministering work! I know it sound hard and difficult to some of you, it was the same for me in the beginning.

Instead of I was ministering others, but eventually I was being ministered at the same time. I have been strengthened while trying my best to serve others.

Sister Jean B. Bingham said, “Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to ‘count’ as serving our neighbors. Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others—as well as on ourselves.”

As we commit to being flexible and then prayerfully consider how to best love and serve others, we will be blessed with the inspiration and knowledge we need to minister as the Savior did.

I testify that it is true. I started to feel the power of ministering!

So, let's go and put it into work. Take out your hand phone and message the sisters or brothers under your ministering list, "What is Your Favourite Scripture?"