Because I have been given much.. 2.7.16
7:46 PM
Today was fast and testimony meeting at church, and I have been touched by the Spirit so strongly. I have felt God's love for me, and I have felt the Spirit provide light and inspiration into my life. I feel nearer to my God.
Last night as I was pondering on my thoughts and trials, I decided to fast for a few personal things, and specifically for peace and comfort as my friends go on their missions, and for peace and comfort as I prepare to go on my mission later this year. I prayed for these things, with all my heart. As I sat in testimony meeting, I felt an overwhelming sensation of love, and joy, and comfort. I had the strongest impression of missionary work and suddenly, thoughts were spewing into my mind. I thought of the story of my parents, my sister, my grandparents, my friends, and myself. I thought of how missionary work plays a huge role in my life, and how I would not be where I am right now without it. I thought of how God truly does have a Plan, and how that Plan of Happiness revolves around the doctrine of eternal families. I thought of how perfectly missionary work ties in with God's Plan and eternal families.
I believe that God answers my prayers, solely through the people around me.. and as I sat listening to my friends bear their testimonies, I was able to feel the Spirit. I was able to recognize the common theme of missionary work and eternal families. Because of that, I felt very inspired to share about the impressions I have felt today and the stories in my own life that I have been inspired to share.
My parents are hard working immigrants from Indonesia. In 1996, they decided to move to America so that their future kids and generations could have better opportunities in education, and most importantly, more freedom in being Christians. They worked hard and saved up to come to America, and brought my sister since she was the youngest at the time. I was then born in America in 1997, and my brother was born in 1998.
When my sister was 12, the missionaries knocked on our door. She let them in. She then started taking discussions with them, and next thing you know, she was getting baptized. A 12 year old. You would think a 12 year old would not be able to comprehend the principles and doctrines of the gospel.. But the fact that my sister got baptized at 12 years old, testifies that the Spirit is the one that converts. Her influence impacted my parents. My father was quite stubborn about joining the church, but he softened his heart and was able to carefully investigate and pray about joining. My parents were then baptized a year after my 12 year old sister was baptized.
At the time, I was only 6 years old. So when I turned 8, I chose to be baptized.. along with my little brother. Fast forward to 2011. One of our close family friends got called to serve in Jakarta, Indonesia. He then was transferred to a small town called Manado, which is where all of my aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, everyone lives. I don't believe in coincidences, I know that this was all in God's Plan. He was able to teach my grandparents the gospel. He then baptized my grandparents.
Fast forward to right now. It is 2016. This is my story. As I sit here and think of what makes me who I am today and how I got here, it is because of my loving Heavenly Father and His Plan. I think of why I am serving a mission, and what drives me to do so. Why do I feel like it's so important for me to sacrifice 1.5 years of my life, and give it up to the Lord?
The two elders that knocked on my door 12 years ago changed my life and generations and even eternities to come. They taught the gospel to a 12 year old, who influenced her parents, along with the rest of her family. That family has been praying for years for our family in Indonesia to hear the gospel, and then a close family friend is called to serve there, and then got called to serve in the small town of my family. Because of these things, I am here. I have the gospel in my life because Heavenly Father sent two elders our way 12 years ago and my life has been changed forever. I have seen God's hand work in my life.
To think of that impact missionary work has had on my life, I can't help but feel overjoyed at the fact of so many of my friends choosing to go on missions, and friends that are already on theirs. Soon, I will have friends all over the world, serving from Idaho to Japan, to Florida to Taiwan. These sweet friends of mine are serving the Lord, and they are teaching the gospel to those who are prepared to hear it. There are people out there who need their background, their knowledge, and enthusiasm, in order to accept the gospel. There are people out there, just like my sister was, just waiting to hear the gospel. I cry tears of joy and rejoice unto the Lord when I think of these things. I really could not be more excited for my friends serving the Lord, and to understand that they will change lives, generations, and eternities. I really could not be more excited with the fact that we are the Army of Helaman. We will bring the world His truth. I know that as a generation with the gospel in our lives, it is our responsibility to seek those who have not yet found the gospel. It is our responsibility to look out for our brothers and sisters and to work hard to bring one another home to our Heavenly Father. I am thankful for their examples and their influence on me as well.
This is the story of the two elders who changed my life, my sister's story, my parent's story, my family's story, my friend's story, and this is my story to tell you. My life is not just a series of random events, it is a series of God's events in His timing. Right now as I realize I am going on my mission this year, I feel peace and joy and so much excitement. I know that I owe it all to the Lord. I cry thinking of the people that are waiting for me to teach them the gospel. I want to bring that sense of joy and comfort that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings into my life and I want to share that with everyone around me. I want to go on a mission to bring the world His truth, and I know that looking back on my life, God's hand is evident. He has given me so much. And because I have been given much, I too must give.
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