Mecaje Graduation Year End Concert 6 Dec 2024

What a lovely evening to remember! Annabelle was the Master of Ceremonies for her graduation year-end concert, Cultural Night. It was wonderful to see her standing confidently on stage, holding the microphone, guiding the programme, and introducing the different cultural performances.

The evening was filled with music, beautiful costumes, and performances celebrating different cultures and traditions. It was lovely to see everyone coming together to share their talents and make the event special. Annabelle also had the opportunity to interact with the participants and be part of the team that brought the programme together.

Looking at these photos, I feel happy seeing how much Annabelle has grown and how she is learning to take on new responsibilities. Being an MC requires preparation, confidence, and the ability to communicate with an audience. Experiences like this give her opportunities to challenge herself, discover her strengths, and learn things that go beyond the classroom.

Time really flies! Sometimes, we are so caught up in our daily routines that we don't realise how quickly our children are growing up. Then, moments like these remind us to pause, appreciate their progress, and celebrate the little milestones along the way.

So happy to see you taking on this role and creating beautiful memories, Annabelle! ❤️ Keep learning, keep growing, and keep shining in your own way. May you always have the courage to try new things, the confidence to use your talents, and the joy of discovering what you are capable of. So proud of you! ✨

Utah Ogden Mission Fall Music Devotional

The Utah Ogden Mission held its Fall Music Devotional, with the missionaries preparing to share a message of the Saviour through music and the spoken word. The mission invited families and friends to join through Zoom, making it possible for people from different places to participate in this special occasion.

For Elder Yu, this was his first time participating in a missionary music devotional. Looking at the photos of him standing among his fellow missionaries, singing together, I found myself imagining what this experience might have meant to him. Perhaps it was a little different from his usual missionary routine of teaching, studying, and meeting people. This time, he could share his love for the Saviour through music, alongside so many others who had also chosen to serve.

I love how music can bring people together. Each missionary has a different voice and story, but when they sing together, they become part of something beautiful. It reminds me that missionary service is not only about what we say, but also about how we share our faith and let the Spirit touch the hearts of others.

I am glad Elder Yu had the opportunity to be part of this special experience. One day, when he looks back on his mission, I hope he will remember not only the songs they sang, but also the friendships, the unity, and the joy of serving the Lord together.

Another little memory from his missionary journey, and another reminder that there are many ways to share the love of Jesus Christ. ❤️

A Melody of Peace: Annabelle’s Violin Performance ️

Annabelle participated in the International Day of Peace Interfaith Music and Dance Festival at the Soka Gakkai Culture Center in Klang. The event brought together people from different faiths and communities to celebrate peace, unity, and mutual understanding.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Malaysia actively participated in the celebration through music. Annabelle, a Church youth, performed the hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” on her violin, accompanied by Sister Dawn Chow.

I feel grateful that Annabelle had the opportunity to share her musical talent and represent the Church at this meaningful interfaith event. It was a beautiful reminder that, despite our different beliefs and cultures, we can come together through music, kindness, and our shared desire for peace.

As President Russell M. Nelson has encouraged Church members to be peacemakers, may we continue to build bridges of understanding and bring more love into our communities, one small act at a time. ❤️

A Saturday of Music and Good Food @ Cafe UAK Central USJ8

Saturday afternoons are sometimes busier than we expect, but they can also bring some of the sweetest memories. Annabelle and I spent the afternoon in Klang for violin practice in preparation for the upcoming Interfaith Music and Dance Festival.

After the practice session, we headed back towards USJ 8 for a late dinner at Cafe UAK  Central USJ8. By then, we were probably more than ready to sit down, relax, and enjoy some good food!

The cafe had a cosy atmosphere, with warm lights, colourful decorations, and a lively evening crowd. We ordered a grilled meat platter served with salad, corn, a sausage, and sauce, along with a pizza topped with cheese, vegetables, mushrooms, and other delicious ingredients. We also enjoyed our refreshing drinks while taking our time over dinner.

Of course, a meal together would not be complete without a few photographs! Annabelle and I took pictures of our food, posed for some silly shots, and captured moments that might seem ordinary to someone else but are precious to me. Looking at the pictures, I can almost hear our laughter and remember the simple happiness of being together.

One of the lovely moments was making a video call and sharing a little part of our evening with someone who was not physically there with us – my husband Alvin and my daughter’s daddy. Even when people are far away, technology can help us feel connected and included in each other's lives. A quick call, a familiar face on the screen, and a shared smile can make an ordinary evening feel a little more special.

I realise that the day was not only about violin practice or having a late dinner. It was about accompanying Annabelle as she prepared for something important, enjoying a meal together after a busy afternoon, and preserving little moments through photographs.

It was just an ordinary Saturday afternoon followed by a late dinner, but it became another memory worth keeping. And sometimes, that is more than enough.

We’ll Bring the World His Truth

September 8, 2024

We’ll Bring the World His Truth

We have been born, as Nephi of old,
To goodly parents who love the Lord.
We have been taught, and we understand,
That we must do as the Lord commands.

We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord’s missionaries
To bring the world his truth.

We have been saved for these latter days
To build the kingdom in righteous ways.
We hear the words our prophet declares:
“Let each who’s worthy go forth and share.”

We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord’s missionaries
To bring the world his truth.

We know his plan, and we will prepare,
Increase our knowledge through study and prayer.
Daily we’ll learn until we are called
To take the gospel to all the world.

We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord’s missionaries
To bring the world his truth.
To bring the world his truth.

 

Dear Elder Yu,

For the past few months, we as primary teachers have been preparing the primary children to practice every Sunday for their upcoming primary presentation. This is one of the songs that the primary children are going to sing. And, finally, the preparation from months ago paid off eventually as today is our Puchong branch's Primary presentation.

I feel so spiritually uplifted whenever I hear the rhythms of this song. Today my tears filled my eyes as I listened to how the primary children and young men sang this song. I think it might be I will think of my son who serves his mission currently.

Memories of the earlier years when we just baptised into the church would come into my mind. It is so vivid and I feel as if it just happened only yesterday. Annabelle and you both are in your 7 and 9 years old when we came to know about the Church. I still can remember how both of you ran to your Daddy and me after we survived through the 3-hours church sacrament meeting during our family's first visit to the Church.

And, that is how our family started our journey in Christ’s Church. I am so grateful that both of you and your sister grew up in the Church at what I considered a very critical time in your years of growing up, especially after what our family had been through due to your daddy and mummy’s marriage.

The Lord has chosen you; He did long ago. I think you know that for yourself. I can see how His hand was and is in your life. From the day you were born to become your daddy and mummy’s son, and how we transferred both Annabelle and you to continue studying in Mecaje, how you made your effort to learn slowly and steadily in your school.

I must say sorry and apologize to you that I did not have enough trust in my own son when I heard and learned from you that you are interested in studying the Science stream or subjects. Eventually, you prove to everyone that you can be a Science material when you have the interest, passion, and heart to do it.

I can see how the Lord trains and molds you up to be patient, humble, kind, long-suffering, endurance, perseverance, and persistence while you worked as the primary teacher and faced so many types of characteristics of children; till you learn and get your driving license. From the day you apply for your mission, receive your mission call, prepare to go for your mission, do all the necessary medical checkups, attend the US Embassy religious visa interview, and how He made a way for you to arrive at MTC on the exact date He wants you to be. He is preparing you for your mission. You are going to be an awesome missionary, of that I have no doubt. You have a greater ability to harvest your potential.

What you are doing now will not be easy every day, but it will be many days, brush off the tough days. You will get discouraged, that is normal when you are — work harder. I can see that in you every week when I read your emails. You will be strengthened when you are doing the work, not when you are thinking of yourself or dwelling on the challenges. Focus on service, to those you are called to serve; the people of Utah Ogden, your companions, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ.

Continue to make friends, but remember why you are there. The friendships, with members, missionaries, and others, will be more meaningful when they are made as you are diligently fulfilling your calling. I know that you would gain many lifelong friends from your mission. When you always act in their presence as a missionary —that is why and how your friendships have durability and substance. Think of the many people you have met and heard stories about. These are people, along with many others, who will continue to impact your life in the positive when you focus on the work and serve the best you can to them and do the Lord’s work.

Remember to be humble.

Focus on individuals. One by one. One thing at a time.

Study the scriptures and learn as much as the Holy Ghost can guide you because you would not have another opportunity to learn the Gospel in the same way you can while on your mission.

Open your mouth. Especially when you do not want to. I fear that you inherit this from your mummy, I am not a sociable person. I am happy to know that you put this as your goal that you want to work on and make a small change in yourself.

Be a leader and be a follower. Both are important. Jesus Christ is a great leader to us and He is a great follower in doing Heavenly Father’s will. Learn to know when you should be doing which.

Pay attention. Do not be blur-blur (Haha). Be street smart. Stay out of danger. Follow promptings perfectly.

Do not fear. Pray for courage and strength.

Do not worry about us at home. I know that it is a learning experience to have faith in Him too – to know that we are in the Lord’s good hands, no matter what is happening at home. I want you to focus on the Lord’s work.

Have fun. You can do this simultaneously by being disciplined, obedient, and focused.

Take the time to share your experience with friends who have not asked you to. People need to hear about your experiences and see you grow. You will influence lives beyond those people you come in contact with in Utah Ogden.

Respect and learn from your mission president. You are both there at the same time for each other; it did not just happen.

Remember to pray, both formally and to have a prayer in your heart. You will need help and especially guidance, ask for it and show gratitude for it.

Deal with your problems, study them out in your mind, pray to Heavenly Father for the solutions that you come up with, and ask if it is according to His will. Get help from your mission leaders and mission president if you need it. Please do not hesitate to ask us for help.

I am proud to be your mother and proud that you are my son. I love you.

Love,
Mummy

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! ❤️

Puchong Branch Virtual Christmas Eve Special 24 Dec 2020

Here is the program of the night, which started at 8:00pm on 24th December 2020.

Here is a Christmas ornament did by Annabelle during her earlier Young Women activity through Zoom online.

This is our group special teaser as we combined all members together without the music part.

 

The following link from Sister Jennifer’s Youtube Channel is the whole 30 minutes Puchong Branch Virtual Christmas Eve Special Presentation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gfRaUO2jEs

Christmas Caroling Special Number

Here are Sister Jennifer and Brother Tesh. Especially make this video combining of both couples for the music celebration! It is indeed so sweet of her and the efforts and her time that she put in.

Virtual Christmas Caroling #4 ~ The First Noel

Here is Alvin’s solo ^^

Virtual Christmas Caroling #3 ~ We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Here is our Yu Family caroling ^^

Virtual Christmas Caroling #2 ~ Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Here are both Issac and Annabelle's turn to sing their hymn.

Virtual Christmas Caroling #1 ~ Joy to the World

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are still unable to go to Church for sacrament meetings. This year the members of the Church would be celebrating Christmas in our own home instead, not like the previous years that we can have our branch Christmas party in the chapel.

 

Sister Jennifer was so thoughtful and kind enough to help organize a virtual Christmas caroling for the members of the Church. She gathered most of the Christmas carol members to prepare singing video at our homes and forward to her to do some editing for the videos. Here is one of the group songs that both Alvin and myself, but in different costumes!

RSY Music Concert 19 Jan 2020

Today is Annabelle’s violin concert day. It is at Malaysian Ceylonese National Community Center (MCNCC) which is located at Petaling Jaya area.

We did not go to Church today as all of us have a good sleep. We were advised to be there at 11.30am.

Teacher Yaalliny have enough time to arrange her students in right order and tune their instruments.

She participated in the Quarter – Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presly. Whereby her own solo is Minuet 3.

The concert time was from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. There is no fix attire or dress code. This is the 2nd time we saw her on the stage play violin again.

It is good to see her on stage and play violin again. Hope she can continue till grade 8!

Puchong Branch Christmas Carolling @ Puchong IOI Mall 21 Dec 2019

Yesterday afternoon our family joined for Puchong Branch Christmas Carolling at Puchong IOI Mall.

Our Church’s name is printed and listed on the mall Christmas celebration theme ‘Enchanting Garden of Wonders’ program.

Our performance is at 2.00pm. We were told to be at the mall at 1.00pm. We left the house earlier as Alvin would be meeting us at the mall from his job site. Our family was there around 11.30am.

We still have time for our lunch at the Chicken Rice Shop, then we meet the rest of the carollers at the old wing side of the mall.

For the ladies, all of us changed to red colour blouse with black pants or skirts, and a green glittering scarfs. As for the men, they changed to red T-Shirts as well. All of us were wearing the red Christmas hats.

We were practising the Christmas songs for sometime at church. We have limited time to practice and learning about the steps as well but all of us trying our best to do it.

This is the first year that our family is joining the Christmas carolling. This is the 4th year that Puchong Branch being invited to do the Christmas carolling in IOI Mall.

Initially Alvin has a solo ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’ but unfortunately few days before Saturday, he lost his voice and was unable to sing the solo. Sister Jennifer has to restructure his song for all to sing.

We started with Brother Roger with The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree by Miguel

Wonderful Christmas Time by All

Joy to the World by All

Holy Night by Hannah

Mary’s Boy Child by Missionary Sisters

Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Issac

Here Comes Santa Clause by Sister Jennifer

Jingle Bell Rock by All

Feliz Navidad by All

We Wish You a Merry Christmas by All

While we were on stage singing, our Santa Claus, Christmas Tree and Santarina were busy distributing the candies.

Our Santarina Sister Anesha, Christmas Tree Brother Kok Cin and little Hannah.

Sister Jennifer is such a great talented singer and leader to us! We managed to make it through! This year both little Hannah and Issac are their first performance in the public! They are doing great!

I am too little amazed that my son can do well and not afraid when he sings in the public and such a big crowd! We met with Sister Joyce too, as she purposely came to IOI Mall to support us! We were so happy that she came.

Thanks to Sister Jennifer’s guidance and our manager Sister Peggy for coordinating through for this. Like Sister Jennifer said, “The best gift that we can offer to our Savior is to share His Light!”

Finally we had a group photo after our performance! And, Merry Christmas Everyone! Ho…Ho…Ho…