Giving Others Permission

November 16, 2024

Giving Others Permission

Dear Elder Yu,

My instructor surprised me every week by sharing something that gave me some thought. He was impressed that he should share his thoughts with us, the BYU-Idaho class family.

My instructor was talking to his mother a while ago, and he was asking her about a family they are close to who some time ago, had distanced themselves from the Gospel. He asked if his mom had ever heard why that had happened.

His mother said, that there had been some instances in which their family was treated poorly by members of their ward and had responded to that by leaving the Church entirely. At that point, my instructor looked at his mother, smiled, and said, “Well we have seen worse, haven’t we?”. His mother knowingly smiled back and said, “Yes, we have.”

My instructor told us that his family had seen some noteworthy transgressions by local leadership in their stake while I was growing up. But he and others in his family did not have their testimonies shaken by them. The reason for that is because as for him, he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He shared with us his testimony that he had strong communication with Heavenly Father (through the Holy Ghost) who has told me that this is the right path. It would be illogical for him to permit another flawed mortal human to stand between him and that divine communication.

In contrast, his mother then told him about a recent experience with another friend close to the family.  This good woman had recently been through a rather painful divorce.  A short time after the divorce was finalized, she learned that a decision was made within the Church in favor of her ex-husband.

This was a decision that she did not agree with and one which had to have been made by a Church leader. She was devastated. She reports that when Sunday morning came around, she was so upset that she wanted very badly to just stay home.

But then she realized that she did not give permission to the Church leadership to stand between her and the very clear message from God that she needed to be a part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She went that Sunday and has been every week since.

My instructor has thought up a list (certainly not comprehensive) of flawed, mortal human beings that he personally will not give permission to stand between him and the testimony that has resulted from communication with loving Heavenly Father:

• Members of his ward who are kind and loving.
• Members of his ward who are cruel and hypocritical.
• People who make an industry out of writings being critical of the Gospel
• Close friends who do and also those who do not share the Faith.
• Church leadership who advocate for political views that happen to agree with.
• Church leadership who advocate for political views that happen to not agree with.
• Figures from Mormon History who he considers heroes.
• Figures from Mormon History who he felt were inspired by God but who also made decisions that he did not understand and who may have made mistakes.
• Close members of his family (Note: He was blessed to be surrounded by family who both support and strengthen his faith, but he understands that many do not have such a situation).

What I learned from my instructor’s testimony is that, if we do not allow others to stand in the way of our testimonies, our communications with God will be stronger and more pure.

My instructor shared that the most devastating piece of news in Church history also included what he considered to be the most hopeful phrases he had ever heard:

Willard Richards had to send a letter to Nauvoo with the horrible news that Joseph and Hyrum Smith had been martyred at Carthage. And yet the letter ended with the following 7 words: “Be still, and know that God reigns.”

I think this is the thing that God wants me to learn now – trust in Him.

Love,
Mommy

15th Week in the Mission Field

This week has been really intriguing and fun in my opinion ✨️✨️

Also I didn't take any photos this week so it's gonna be a wordy email today. Okay let's start

Working with Members ‍‍‍✨️

This week has BEEEN THRILLING we were able to have a meeting with the Stake President, STAKE Mission Leader and Leader for Missionary work in the stake. They are all AWESOME LEADERS ATHEY ARE INSPIRING TOO. We were able to give our reports on how the Missionary work is going and they are really happy to hear the report as well. More than that we saw the start of the fruit of working with members. We were able to gain a deeper trust with a few members this week. And even able to use whatsoever resources we have to do the work, from email, to Facebook Messenger, to a new sim card HAHAHAHA GOT OUR CONTACTING DEVICES BACK, Members to place more fishing line in the water and whatsoever church resources and share it to everyone we teach and meet.

The Gospel is a Message of Healing✨️

Well as you know after the election and the result on who is going to be the new President of the United States of America. We had the opportunity to meet and teach a member of a ward that we cover, whom his family and himself were devastated in the result of the election. And while they did mentioned their opinions and thoughts about this matter. I realised how careful me and my comp had to be in resolving his concern. Which we were led to share Alma 46: 19-21 and one of the most important message is the covenants we made with the Lord. To attain the strength of the Lord through the covenants we made and overcome the world, defending and spreading peace to all of the children of God on Earth.

Power of the Holy Ghost and Faith ✨️✨️

I have come to find for myself that the power of the Holy Ghost is a powerful gift Heavenly Father has given to us all. I was able to gain an experience for myself how the gift of the Holy Ghost, Heavenly Father's given power has helped me learn and improve my mandarin reading skills. Like doing it with the Lord's help makes it so much more easier and my mind is just open and ready to learn as well. I like it✨️ More than that I am even learning how to understand its prompting even more.

Gradually something I realised is that I don't often have those huge feeling in my heart when it comes to sharing a message but rather there are small and simple thoughts that just pops in from time to time. And something I learned in the mission is that...

The Gospel changes our understanding of everything, Allignment and understanding it can help a lot in our life's. And I am still somewhat lost in that sense. Yet I still do want to learn and understand that even more about the Spirit and it's power. So yeah open minded and willing to learn and change is really hard many times, but it's the Lord's way and His way is always best for us ❤️

Also through prayer and fasting we were able to attain our new sim card just yesterday. And it was AWESOME to the the promised and experience the blessing of faith tooooooo ✨️✨️

Football Game

Okay at this point I will admit I am whitewashed into the USA CULTURE FR

Like the recent match of BYU and UOU is an insane game I heard from members also thanks to Messenger I was able to learn that BYU WONNN soo WOOOOOH

I need help I never would have thought FOOTBALLL can be such an addictive thing put of all sports. But haven't broken any mission rule yet hehe so no worry. Didn't go to a match Also in South Ogden I never knew there is so many people who are University Of Utah Fans like I thought everyone here is a BYU fan and until I learned that I was just in awe. Also Utah has the hardest adversary of charity when it comes to Football and that is something I've seen for myself It's soo FUNNY

But yeah overall that was how my week went HAHAHAHHA

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT 

I was able to learn about the power of Obedience and through the example of Captain Moroni and Helaman with his 2060 stripping warriors and it's AMAZINGG to see how the Lord has blessed them. I know that when we do so we can be blessed throughout our lives and even on the mission. I want to do better and overcome my hardship I am glad and grateful for the many experiences I am able to see.

From Annabelle to Elder Yu: Seminary Is Worth It!

Hello brother in physical and in spirit,

How've you been? I recently caught up with your emails and have seen the banned privilege of the car, which was a shock on a Sunday morning when mom mentioned it Either way, I'm still impressed and really grateful that you still found positivity in situations that seems difficult. You really are a great example for me as a brother. Also, thanks for the advice to be obedient, I'm gonna need to be more careful with what I do on my missions. Speaking of preparations, I have a story or two from last week. Let's start shall we?

Graduation Lunch, Dinner and Trips???

So it was during this week I was notified that I would be having a: lunch with Teacher Chi Wei, which was happening this Saturday, dinner with the teachers and the graduating class (us!), and my friends are planning on a trip next year?! Pretty crazy stuff, but given it's close to the end of the year it's pretty normal huh? But even my feelings were in trouble because of transportations and how much responsibility I should be having as a freshly 17-18, especially on the personal girls' trip next year. But safe to say, the lunch was safe and dinner might be saved. It was an interesting situation, though I look forward to handling cases like these with information and learning my boundaries.

Last Year and Days in Seminary✨✨

Other than the physical matters, it's time to turn to the more sentimental and spiritual thoughts! Honestly, I don't think any premonition or warning of my last seminary was going to prepare me for last Saturday; my last seminary assessment. That day was so bittersweet and just felt so sentimental! My post on Instagram was the most sentimental I've had and to be honest, I'm actually going to miss seminary. I remember my days in seminary, always dreading the 8am classes on a Saturday. Yet, I always found home and welcomed from those inspiring youths. Sometimes filled with racist jokes and roastings, or just plain nagging from me to carry them ( online) to seminary classes, I still found a great uplifting spirit!✨✨ But I know that I won't need to miss the feeling of preparation of the gospel and the Second Coming, or my friends for that matter because:

1. The Restoration is still an ongoing process

2, I know my friends are also preparing for it, like me

And together we can uplift each other, as comical or spiritual reliefs.

✨✨✨Group photos with POOKIESS???✨✨✨  

✨✨✨Contents of Lauren✨✨✨   

The first is one of our seminary teacher and the second is their oldest son (13)

Preparation

Though you wanna know what's funny? Let me backtrack a bit, I was late 45min to that same seminary assessment! Funny enough, I was the only one late as mom had to do her test, and I'm not blaming her!!! Because, truthfully, that day was the busiest the road could get!!! There was a traffic jam all the way to the Paradiso's house ( our seminary teachers). And it was more late right after as the Youth Broadcast was right after seminary!!! Okay, we didn't reach late but we started late, cause I was waiting for more people to come while I edited the slides in front of their faces. On the shared screen. Unbeknownst to me, with full attendance!!! I have never felt more embarrassed for a split second but I remained calm and carried on. The Youth Broadcast was a mild success, people said it was good, I thought I messed up badly. In the end though, I was able to lead and introduce the broadcast and gathered the many things the youth learned of Jesus Christ that year. It was a nice activity, though all the ice breakers and game we planned were untouched as youths, predicted by Miguel, were busy with ice cream and chatting away. I'm still garam about that day, not because of the untouched activity or the kinda ruined plan of that day, but because I had priod and couldn't risk eating the ice cream, Which popped up during the assessment and at the broadcast But stick to your words, I have to be healthy, though  on the first day I accidentally ate one Magnum Sorry...

After

I tell you the sky was so pretty after that!!! It was like the kind for Second Coming? For a 5-6pm

The day that followed was Sunday and other than the attempted lesson I lead, it was good! I liked the lesson and really need to improve on my confidence in socializing Though I did see a rare...

L LORRY!!!

And that's about it! Many things happened during last weekend and more to come during District Conference and other events! There's so many things that I recorded on testimonies and it's been amazing!!! I really want to improve but for today, one step at a time. You're amazing man, I look up to you ♥️

Thine Dawg from the same mother,
Annabelle

Finding the Message in the Middle of Chaos

November 9, 2024

Finding the Message in the Middle of Chaos

Dear Elder Yu,

My Social Science Statistics instructor shared with the class an interesting experience he had during his recent family trip to New York City, which he has been looking forward to his entire life. New York City, is truly a fascinating place.

He shared with us one experience he had with her daughter. At one point in their visit, both were standing in the middle of Times Square. He shared with us, “If you have never been there, it is unlike anything I had ever seen before. Just a crazy mass of sound and lights and people.  It is like the Vegas Strip was squished into a 3-block area.”

While standing on that spot, he asked her daughter to tell him what she observed. Her daughter mentioned the bright billboards, the sound of traffic, and the mass of people. The music, and the strange people taking photos with the tourists.

Then my instructor pointed out a strange sound coming from under the sidewalk. Kind of like a bell ringing. He shared a clip somebody took at that same spot showing what he heard. Times Square (Neuhaus), often referred to as the Hum or the Times Square Hum is a permanent sound art installation created by Max Neuhaus in Times Square in New York City.

This was a piece of performance art placed there in the 1970's. No signs are pointing it out. The sound simply emanates from a grate over a steam vent. Neuhaus stated it is intended for the sound to be "plausible", dismissed as an "unusual machinery sound from below ground" and to be overlooked repeatedly until it is discovered by the viewer serendipitously.

The location in Times Square where the sound art installation emanates.

An image of Times Square in 1977, the year Times Square was first installed.

The subway grate where "Times Square" emanates.

The point that the artist wanted to make was specifically to point out that we can have a loud sound and yet have nobody notice it. Hundreds of thousands of people walk past this exact spot every day, and very few realize it is there.

Isn't that what the Spirit is like?

Clear messages are being sent to us every day by a loving Heavenly Father. Many people know what to look for and can hear them. Many people understand what to look for and can hear them. Many people are unaware that it exists. Perhaps many others know what the sound is like, but we are too preoccupied with other noises in our lives to listen.
But the sound is there, for those who know how to listen. Sometimes, I feel as if I have fallen into the category of “too preoccupied with other noises in my life to listen to the small and still voices.”

And, by so ‘ngam hor’ or co-incident, there is another insight that I learned from the Scripture Central YouTube Channel this week when studying Mormon Chapter 7, which I will share with you in the next email.

Lastly, want to share with you something that Elder Russell M. Nelson did years ago before he became the President of the Church. He delivered the Thanksgiving Devotional to the missionaries in Provo MTC.

He said a mission is an exercise in obedience training. “Obedience brings success; exact obedience brings miracles,” he said.

President Russell M. Nelson teaches us to follow the Lord with exactness. The word exact leaves no question as to what degree we must follow the Lord. The definition of exact is: not approximated in any way; precise. It is easy to want, to pick and choose, to pat ourselves on the back for the things we do well, and to disregard the things that we do not want to do. The Lord’s way is not supposed to fit our lives, our lives are supposed to fit the Lord’s.

The best example of exactness is math. 2+2 always equals 4. It doesn’t sometimes, or most of the time, but always. As we adopt the attitude of ALWAYS following the Savior, when the calculus test comes along, we will be prepared because we pay close attention to all the mathematical details in our lives. That is how the impossible will be made possible in our lives.

Love,
Mommy

14th Week in the Mission Field? IDK

Well this week has been pretty interesting and don't worry I am not sick, neither is my comp is anymore ✨️✨️ So we are back in action

Okay let's get started! 

Car license

Well my comp Elder Tang needed to get a new license as his is coming to expire soon. So guess what ... We received a suggestion from the mission office to head over and help Elder Tang get a new Utah Driving License✨️ and so off we went for an adventure

Before we began our adventure on transfer day. We went and take an Elder with us, with permission from his comp and off we went. ‍♂️‍♂️‍♂️

Elder Hall on the left is our new travelling companion. With his PURE WHITE AMERICAN BLOOD We were able to go through many obstacles and deep American words in the process of many conversation with the government workers.

So we went to the DLD (Driving License Division)

In which we have obtained all the requirements for our quest to attain Elder Tang's license. So off we went to get a proof of not paying tax. So we head over to the......

IRS WOOOOOOO✨️✨️✨️, they then sent us over to theeee.....

SSA!! (SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) WOOOOOO it's soo funnn going to government building

To which we then had to attain a proof of residence, so we went to the....

MISSION OFFICEE!! HAHAHHAHAHAH! 

Which eventually we were able to get Elder Tang to gain his driving knowledge test ON THE SPOT so he passed and something I realized was the Lord's hand an love in our journey through all these hardships. That the busy our came later, we were always the first, staffs were patient and we were able to plan with wisdom and order on the spot where ever we go. And I am eternally grateful for that experience.  ✨️

Downhill Slop

The next day we got a call from the mission office informing us that Elder Tang's Driving privileges were taken away due to our disobedience of allowing another missionary who is really annoying and persistent which eventually we are now a pair of walking missionaries. Covering an English stake and also a Chinese mission that's about 53 miles or 85 Km long soo yeah DING FR like just .

From that experience somehow I am actually grateful. For the experience of managing on the resources we have, planning on how to overcome obstacles and make a plan on overcoming and coordinating with everything we have. So issue we have is

1. No sim card

2. No car

DINGG✨️✨️ ITS GOING TO BE SOO FUNN

but just like the notes I learned that this transfer is going to be really hard nonetheless it's ⏳️ (in words) and we are going to have to work extra hard. I love challenges, especially like this. To overcome its spiritual, mental and physical obstacles. Helping me to grow stronger and better

Thermometer and Thermostat

I learned a really interesting analogy from a book called "Does You Bag Have Any Holes?" And the author compared people like a thermometer and thermostat. In a sense that there are people who follow their environment. Like people if our surroundings are sad, negative and etc, we can follow them and be like them. Like thermometer our reading is determined by the environment around us. However, why not be a Thermostat. No matter what happens around us hot or cold, we can maintain our temperature and be different from others. To be happy, positive and etc even when everything around is is the opposite. 

Likewise this applies to obedience and I even came to find that as we are obedient we can have more freedom. Like my example if we were obedient we could choose where to drive, who to visit, which ward we want to change and focus on. However through the sudden events, we can't do any of those but depend on the mercies of those around us. Yet the best part is no matter what, we will always be in the Mercy of our Lord.  While no sim card meant no receiving or texting messages. And no car meant we will have to really take account of time and distance. There is always something we can do. Even when there are things that's out of our control. And I am grateful for this lesson too.

So be obedient guys and stand for what's right. I am 3 months in and already in trouble it's soo FUNNYY and sooo WILDDD to see how life can go . I am soo glad to have the Lord always by my side and guide me through my hardship. I truly know He is there for us.

EXACT OBEDIENCE ✨️

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT 

Well for today I was studying through Alma 29-40 and it's a BALLER to see the journey and love Alma has for his children and the people all around him. Something that got my attention was Alma's reason to continue in his ministry to the Nephites and Lamanites. Alma 36:24-26

24 Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

25 Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors; 

26 For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God.

当我读到阿尔玛在分享他的见证和智慧关于神的事工和珅的爱。我很感谢我有这个机会来传讲他的福音。不折有这样，但我也能得到特别学习机会✨️ 我也很快乐我能见到很多乐子的挑战✨️✨️ I love missionary work as it's always exciting and fun.

I know why I am serving a mission and still learning more about why I am staying and serving a mission I love it✨️✨️ To bring others to come to the joy we know in our lives to those who does not. 帮助大家会到天父的家✨️

Extra photos

Hehe it's soo funny

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

November 3, 2024

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

Dear Elder Yu,

I believe that you might have heard about the Christian TV series “The Chosen” before you went on your mission.

I have come across and listened to a BYU Devotional talk that just happened a few days ago, 29 October 2024 by the creator of “The Chosen” TV series, Dallas Jenkins. He talked about how to embrace failure and trust in God’s plan.

Dallas stated that earlier in his career, he aspired to Hollywood's fame and glitter, as well as to create films that were box office successes. For years, he worked on smaller independent films, but in 2017, he was given the opportunity to work with large Hollywood studios and make the type of big film he'd always desired. "I had arrived," Dallas recalled thinking.

However, when the film was released to the public, its box office performance collapsed. “Within two hours, I went from being a director with a very bright future to being a director with no future,” he said.

Dallas and his wife, Amanda, were distraught. As they sat at home in tears, Amanda was convinced that her husband should study the New Testament tale of Jesus feeding the 5,000—and she sensed God telling her, "I do impossible math."
Dallas initially assumed this indicated that the film's numbers would improve. But things grew worse. So Dallas remained up late composing a report, attempting to figure out what went wrong with the film. Then, to his complete amazement, an acquaintance sent him this message at 4 a.m.: "Remember, it is not your responsibility to feed the 5,000. It's merely to offer bread and fish."

Dallas claims the moment transformed his life.

"In that moment, I knew God was there." I knew God was watching over this. I knew God had taken me to that point of failure, and He had something in store for me. …
"I was not going to be able to solve or figure this out on my own. I still didn't understand what impossible math meant in this case because success was not on the horizon. But at that moment, all I cared about was God's will. I gave up. "Probably for the first time in my life."

Following that, Dallas created a short film about the birth of the Savior from the perspective of the shepherds. Compared to the scale of production of his previous feature, this short film "felt like a significant step-down." "It didn't even feel like five loaves and two fishes; it felt like one loaf and half a fish," Dallas tells me. On the other side, Dallas had never felt more in his element.

Dallas was inspired by this sensation to create The Chosen. However, he lacked the ability to create the visual depiction of Jesus and His followers that he envisioned.
Long story short, the short video Dallas created was spotted by Angel Studios (then known as VidAngel) in Provo, Utah. The company adored it. They were also intrigued by Dallas' idea for The Chosen and wanted to pursue it. But they intended to fund the series through crowdfunding—and Dallas was skeptical.

"Crowdfunding rarely works," he explains. But then he remembered the parable of the loaves and fishes, and he resolved to try again. "And something special happened," he explains. "I'm sitting at the computer, with my wife next to me, and we break the 10 million mark, shattering the all-time crowdfunding record by 16 thousand.

"I hear my wife sniffling, and I look over and she has tears streaming down her cheeks, saying, 'I do impossible math!'" He spoke it to her again, just as clearly as He had the previous year.

“In that moment, it was very easy to realize … this is impossible math. This is the kind of math that God’s part of, not the math equation based on numbers and interest. This is what He does: He takes the small, the broken, the surrender, and makes something out of it.”

“Whether in failure or success, the message is the same: When you make your five loaves and two fish. He does ask that of us,” he continued, “He could have just waved his hand like I am in front of you right now, and in front of thousands of people and the Loaves and fish could have appeared out of nothing.”

“But He does demand for us to participate for us to do the things that we don't necessarily need Him for so that He can do the thing that He only He can do – the miracle part, so He does involve Us in the process.”

“Isn't that so gracious of Him whether it's asking for the Five Loaves and two fish? Or whether it's telling His disciples to roll the stone away when Lazarus is raised? Or whether it's telling Moses to camp out at the edge of the Red Sea, and strike the rock, so the water would part.”

“He does ask us to participate but I'm telling you… especially whether in failure or success Five Loaves and two fish when you hand that to Him and He deems it worthy of acceptance, the transaction is over.”

“It's the Five-in-Two principle you bring what you have, you give it to God, and let it go, and when you get to that place, where you don't care about the results and you don't care about what they say.”

Dallas advised, urging the audiences (BYU students) to find peace and purpose in their efforts, regardless of the outcome.

“I implore you, starting now: Don’t wait until you’re in your 40s [like I am] for God to break you down and bring you to your knees in surrender. Starting now, get to this place — this superpower, actually — that comes from giving that up to God. It is not your job to feed the 5,000; it is only to provide the loaves and fish.”

This profoundly affected Jenkins, helping him realign his focus and trust in God’s plan. This principle, which emphasizes the importance of offering one’s best and leaving the results to God, became a guiding force in his life and work.

I know that these past weeks must have been a quite difficult situation for you to do the proselyting work due to transportation and car issues. Missionary work can be hard. And realizing that doesn’t make you a bad missionary.

When you're struggling, remember that God is on your side and that He is ready and prepared to assist you when you ask. He is always willing to listen to your heartaches and understands exactly how you feel.

Don’t be hesitant to ask for strength to manage your expectations or to control your attitude. Don’t be afraid to call down miracles for you and the work in your area. You can also reach out to your companion or leaders, who most likely have felt the same way you do at times and might know how to help you.

I feel prompted to share with you this talk because I know that you might feel a little uplifted by this talk. I know that you have offered and given to God all that you have – your Five Loaves and Two Fishes, and let God do His Maths.

Know that you are loved. And remember that Heavenly Father and the Savior are there to bear your burdens and challenges with you.

Love,
Mommy

P.S.: This is the link of the talk, it is under BYU Speeches https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jenkins/five-loaves-and-two-fishes/

I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

November 2, 2024

I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Dear Elder Yu,

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I know who I am.
I know God’s plan.
I’ll follow him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I’ll honor his name.
I’ll do what is right;
I’ll follow his light.
His truth I will proclaim.

This letter comes a week late after I realized that our family has been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for already 10 years since 26^th October 2024. I saw these photos came into my mailbox as a notification from One Drive for my memories from that day.

It was so co-incident that last week we studied the Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 27 to 4 Nephi about “There Could Not Be a Happier People” when I taught the Primary children that “I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ” and sang the song together and talk about why we are thankful to belong the Savior’s Church.

Reflecting through the years, it has never been easy to be on the path of discipleship. Coming to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wasn’t just about learning new doctrines, such as the premortal life and baptism for the dead; it was a change in culture, lifestyle, and expectations. Resolving those differences was a hard road to walk. Before our family joined the Church, I still remember the churches we used to go to, which in so many ways were quite unlike the ones we know now.

The clergy and choir at church were dressed in robes during worship service—their equivalent of sacrament meeting—ministers delivered sermons and did all of the talking. The churchgoers repeated the Lord's Prayer together and sang hymns that sounded like songs. There was a cross in the choir loft. They used grape juice instead of water for the sacrament, and high school kids attended Sunday School with the adults in a class that talked about current issues in society.

You still remember that I once said to you and Annabelle that, latter-day saints indeed are peculiar people as told by President Gordon B. Hickley because the world customs and social beliefs are so much different.

The world teaches that it is OK to drink alcohol or smoke. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend as a teenager is OK. The world teaches that you could even have sexual relations before marriage as long as you believe you are in love. I never know about having a testimony. The first time I saw a fast and testimony meeting—wow! I could not believe how odd that seemed. No one ever stood to share their beliefs like that in the churches out there.

Annabelle and you considered growing up in the Church, churchy things become pretty normal. You get used to the regularity of the meetings, the building you attend, and the kind of clothes people wear at church. Things like giving talks in sacrament meetings, paying tithing and fast offerings, and fasting once a month are just a part of life. Living the Word of Wisdom, accepting callings to serve, and living the law of chastity are all part of what you learn to do.

However, for converts, it can be a big adjustment trying to take it all in. Certainly, receiving a testimony of gospel principles is the first step toward membership in Christ's Church. Having a testimony, however, does not make the transition to living as a member of the Church any easier.

Fortunately for us, our church members are patient, compassionate, and consistent. They took us to events and invited us to their house for dinner, family home evening, and so on. That made a significant impact not just in my joining the church, but also in my remaining active and finding strength when my testimony wavered. I guess I owe a lot to the sisters in the Relief Society for helping me figure things out.

Here are some of the challenges new converts face. How might our friendship and missionary work help them overcome these challenges?

1. Struggling to understand new doctrine.
2. Choosing different media, music, movies, and books.
3. Understanding scripture language.
4. Coping with lack of acceptance from non-LDS family and friends.
5. Wearing different clothing.
6. Dedicating the time to attend church and seminary.
7. Learning new practices and customs in the worship services.
8. Having to change habits, language, and ways of thinking.
9. Adapting to LDS social culture.
10. Learning the LDS-specific meanings of terms, like gospel, apostasy, and restoration.

Last but not least, share with you, President Gordon B. Hickley’s quote:

“We are a peculiar people. There is a wholesomeness about you that is beautiful and wonderful. We don’t smoke, we don’t drink, we don’t even take tea or coffee. That is strange for a lot of people. We do vicarious work for the dead. We teach that marriage in the house of the Lord is for time and for all eternity, that families can actually be forever. We are a peculiar people, and thank heavens we are. If the world continues to go in the direction it is going, families breaking up, pornography everywhere, drugs and things of that kind, we will become an even more peculiar people. God has blessed us generously and kindly and greatly. How thankful we ought to be” (fireside, Sydney, Australia, 14 May 1997).

I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ that enabled all these wonderful and beautiful things to happen in my life, most importantly I got to know His restored gospel. I am grateful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is a precious thing to me. It isn’t a simple or ordinary thing; this is the Church and kingdom of God. This is the kingdom of God on earth. I share all these things in the name of our Savior, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,
Mommy