Leaping Penguines: China is open :)

During the earlier session that day, President Gong was telling a story of when he went to Antarctica. He told of when he was observing the hundreds of thousands of penguins, he noticed something peculiar. When they would go out in the day, they would all line up together at the edge of the ice. They would wait till everyone was ready, and then they would all dive in together. President Gong questioned why they always did it all together, and it was because under the water were very hungry leopard seals. The large splash that was made by the synonymous leap confuses the leopards, so they can all get back to land without any casualties. Likewise, we are not alone. We are all meant to grow together and with one long, gradual, yet synonymous jump. Helping each other all the way to achieve the ultimate goal: return home whole, together. I truly feel all of us were empowered as the Holy Spirit testified that we are not alone, and we have an eternal purpose. We also have an eternal purpose in China specifically, or wherever we are in our lives and in the world. To endure doesn’t only mean to trek through, it means to withstand with courage. People always ask, when will China be open to the gospel? Well, China is already open. It’s OUR eyes and OUR hearts that have not been opened yet (Read Dallin H. Oaks’ talk “Getting to Know China”). As we strengthen our testimonies, the light that shows in our eyes becomes brighter, and that light of Christ has the power to instill the desire in the Chinese people to search for something more. When they have that desire, the Lord makes it happen. Whether it’s taking a vacation to Thailand and running in to missionaries there, then getting baptized and returning and being able to attend the local branch, or introducing them to the right people to befriend, the Lord has a way to bring his light to all of his children. Law or no law. We can still heed to the laws of the land while passively sharing the truth with them. Not to mention, there are hundreds of thousands of foreign passport holders that can be taught the gospel outright. It really is His work and His glory, and we are all a part of it, whether we realize it or not.  We have a great responsibility while in China (WHILE IN *INSERT YOUR CITY HERE*) to live our lives in such a way so others recognize that light; recognize Christ who, while in the pre-existance, THEY CHOSE right alongside you and I; so they recognize that light and accumulate that desire to change for the better. Have compassion and believe in the potential of those around you.

Smile. You have a purpose. “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another” (D&C 90:24: see here). Have a wonderful day, and in the words of my best friend, “Jesus Loves You”.

Watch this about the light of Christ in us! (there's also a part II and III, I recommend all of them :)