Lift Where You Stand

July 17, 2011

This week consisted of a mission tour with Elder Teh, the ecclesiastical leader in charge of the church for all the Philippines. The past week he's toured through all the areas in the mission, holding conferences and interviews with the missionaries. Wednesday was our conference. It was amazing. Elder Teh spoke of things that we can do to make sure that we stay as far from the "line" as possible. The line I'm referring to is the line between good and evil essentially. The place where Satan has more influence in our lives than Christ. If we stand next to that line, it's very easy for us to be tempted and distracted by what lies on the other side. We discussed how the most important thing we can do is turn our backs to that line and stop watching the "action" occurring on the other side. Then, we take steps that pull us further and further away from where that line is. These steps include simple things like daily prayers and obedience to God's commandments. The idea was further emphasized with an object lesson. An elder was asked to come forward and as we mentioned different things we can do to obey God's commandments, he walked further and further away from the line. This brings us to an area of safety where Satan's temptations have less effect on our lives. This was demonstrated by Elder Teh pulling a Toblerone out of his bag and waving it around. The Elder, with his back turned, was unaware of the temptation and it had no effect on him. As soon as he turned around though, noticing the candy bar, he slowly edged closer to the line- where the candy bar was waiting. When Elder Teh invited him back to the line, the elder did so quite willingly. Of course, in real life, Satan's temptations are much trickier and harmful than a candy bar.

Elder Teh was followed by the Mission President's assistants giving training and introducing the new mission motto. July marks the one year anniversary of the Philippines Iloilo mission. So, we changed the motto! The new motto is Lift Where You Stand, based on the talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. (talk can be found by clicking his name) We know that we have been called to the place that the Lord needs us to be. Therefore, it is a waste of time to complain about the circumstances (like cold showers and an unending supply of mosquitoes) and do the work the Lord has called us to do. If we all work together, regardless of where we are or what our abilities are, we will be able to lift this work to a higher level. Many people said this mission was the "hard mission" of the Philippines. I've heard other missionaries say that Panay Island wasn't really prepared or receptive to the gospel. Yet nearly 600 people have come unto Christ through baptism in this past year. It might not be like the Manila mission or the Bacolod mission, but it isn't Manila or Bacolod. This is Iloilo! This is where I'm called to serve, and if I do my best, I will do exactly what Heavenly Father needs me to do.