Packets of Light - A New Year's Quest

"Scriptures are like 'packets of light' - that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high.  They can become the key to open the channel to communion from Heavenly Father and his Beloved Son Jesus Christ." Elder Richard G. Scott

I just recently received such a “packet of light.”

The Chinese language is rich in expressiveness, and characters are often full of beautifully descriptive messages. I’ve been studying the Chinese version of the Book of Mormon in my morning scripture reading. Now, I really can’t read a lot of Chinese characters, but I like to study them nevertheless, comparing them with the English version. I often learn revelatory insights that come as “packets of light” – shedding a little more light and truth as I study God’s word.

Courtesy of Flickr - Bai Shi Li

In English when we conclude our prayers, we conclude by saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”  While the phrase has powerful meaning, it can nevertheless become a routine phrase that we don’t think about much if we become a little casual. But that’s where Chinese can enhance our understanding.

In Chinese, the same phrase is, “fèng YēSū JīDū de míng, āmén .”  Or, in characters: 奉耶穌基督的名,阿門。 It’s a phrase. You learn it. You memorize it.  You know what it means – we do all things in the name of our Savior.

But as I studied carefully, I thought about the word 奉, or fèng. The above phrase is not literally translated, “in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.” But rather, “fèng” Jesus Christ’s name, amen. And “fèng” does not mean “in”.

What does fèng mean, then?

I looked it up. Fèng = to present respectfully (to superior, ancestor, deity etc.) / to esteem / to revere, to offer.

We aren’t just ending our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ; we are offering it up with the highest esteem and respect. We express our deepest reverence for Him and for His holy name.

It’s as if we are saying, “With the highest esteem and deepest respect, I offer this prayer with reverence, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”

The endings to my prayers now take on a whole new meaning.

奉, or fèng.  What a powerful word!  Feeling grateful for this “packet of light.”

"(Heavenly Father) has placed packets of light in our path both in individually appropriate doses and at the intervals that will both stretch and rescue us in our own unique circumstances.  As we receive, remember, and act on the truths in one customized packet of light, we prepare to receive new light, and the light grows brighter and brighter." - Elder Bednar

Inspiration or personal revelation can come to all of us no matter who we are. We know that every person born on this earth is born with what we like to call "the Light of Christ". Some might just call it our conscience, a light, a voice, a prompting, a gut feeling. But whatever you choose to call it, it is very real and a powerful guiding tool for all of us. The more we listen to this "light of Christ", or guiding influence in our lives, the more we'll be led to find more of these "packets of light" along our path. 

This year, join me on a quest. No matter what happens out there in 2021 - good, or bad, calm or scary, peaceful or violent, refreshing or suffocating, there will be packets of light strewn along our paths by a loving Father in Heaven. Let's look for those packets of light!  Let's find them!  Let's bring that light into our hearts and lives to make our souls brighter and brighter!

Courtesy of Flickr.com R Boed

Amidst COVID – How Do They Find, Where Do They Teach?

A classroom in a church building. A table at the nearby 7-11. A few seconds at a stop light. Riding a bike down the sidewalk. Standing in line at a grocery store.  Video chatting from a phone.  Waiting at a street corner. Meeting up at a friend’s home.

Finding. Teaching. Testifying. Baptizing. Friendshipping.

It’s all happening. Amidst the COVID-19 restrictions worldwide, missionaries in the Taipei Taiwan mission are sharing the message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in every way imaginable.

 

Although Taiwan is nearly COVID free, the missionaries are still careful to mostly focus on people they already know or have connections with. Going door to door is not encouraged, out of "an abundance of caution". Face masks are encouraged, and even required in some spaces (Church meetings, public transportation, stores). Still, even with the cautions in place, people are still reaching out to learn more and to be taught about Jesus Christ.

One missionary said a woman began asking her about the Church while they were standing in line at a market. By the time they were through the line, they had exchanged contact information and were making plans to meet again.

Missionaries strike up quick conversations at stop lights, street corners, and elevator rides.

It is common for the missionaries to often do their scripture study at a local 7-11 store. And they meet the most interesting people. Even those wanting to bring them treats – “just because they are missionaries.” 

          

7-11 stores: It’s worth a mention here. There are over 5,000 7-11 stores in Taiwan! These convenience shops are more like little neighborhood cafés. With free WIFI, air conditioning, clean restrooms, and several tables and chairs set up for customers, what is there not to like?  

 At 7-11, you can buy breakfast snacks, sip fruit drinks, get a microwave meal warmed up and delivered to your table, and dine with friends.  You can also pay utility bills or parking fees, make photo copies, print photos, conduct business, do homework and study with classmates. And you can have a missionary lesson from your local missionaries!

And if you're not teaching at a 7-11, you might be teaching at the local restaurant around the corner.

                                          

The majority of the missionaries here are from Taiwan. The balance is made up of foreign missionaries. The mix is a good blend. And once the foreign missionaries who have returned to Taiwan are out of their strict 2 week quarantine, they are more than ready to "hit the road" and begin teaching. 

We are mindful of those missionaries who, in some places around the world, are required to stay in their apartments or have minimal physical interaction with people because of COVID-19. We are grateful for their sacrifice, patience and service. We pray for relief from the COVID restrictions. We recognize that not every country is as open and free to teach as is Taiwan. We love you all.

Thank you, everyone, for your service!