I am a Disciple of Christ: Jesus said, "Come Follow Me"
This song speaks to the walk I have tried to follow since my teens, which has been nearly 50 years now. I find Peace in believing and following what Jesus Christ taught. I strive to love God with all my heart, my mind, my strength, my soul and my time. As Jesus reminded the young religious man in His day, the second command is to love our neighbors. Through service and time, we can help our neighbors in need, be it a smile, sharing compassionate and encouraging words, or mending a fence, a home, or even a relationship. When we serve others here on earth, we show our love for God. If we love God, we keep his gentle commandments.
Our days and months in Hong Kong deepen our resolve to focus on the One, to focus on those in need, to support scores of projects across 4 countries that are providing water, food, clothing, shelter, medical support, education, relief from abuse, training, and support to thousands. We are privileged to work with 7 wonderful senior missionary couples who work hard to make a difference in their labors of love. Our calls each week with them and Humanitarian employees of the church inspire us to give our best to the successful implementation of their projects which bless many across Asia.
Here are the comments from my words to the [Philippina] Island Branch 20Oct2024:
Come Unto
Me lumapit ka sa akin [1 Corinthians 16:11 - Paul]
Come and
See halika at tingnan [John
1:46 - John]
Come Follow
Me halika sundan mo ako [Luke 18:22 - Luke]
These simple invitations from Jesus Christ as recorded by his early apostles, when freely accepted, can make all the difference in one’s life.
12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh
of God; and that which is evil cometh
of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him
continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin,
and to do that which is evil continually.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and
enticeth to do good continually;
wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to
do good,
and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of
God. [Moroni 7]
Invite – by words and actions
Entice – to persuade in words, thoughts and actions
President Oakes
said,
Jesus
Christ example defines the path for every disciple of Jesus Christ.
He invites all to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male
and female; … and all are alike unto God.”
[2 Nephi 26:33]
As we increase our study of God’s word, we understand better
the words of Christ when he refreshed the word of God to his disciples of 2
great commandments of the Law:
·
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
·
“This is the first and great commandment.
·
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself.
·
“On these two commandments hang all the law and
the prophets.” [Matt 22:36-40]
by studying the scriptures and following prophetic
teachings, as President Russell M. Nelson has urged us to do. In the
ordinance of the sacrament, we covenanted today and each Sabbath day that we
will “always remember him and keep his commandments.”
President Nelson, 100 years old, taught, testified and promised in October 2024:
I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to
increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. No need to carry your own burden.
Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches,
and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone!
He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you
need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him,
your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to
follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are
temporary. Your afflictions will be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”
It
is neither too early nor too late for you to become a devout disciple of Jesus
Christ. Then you will experience fully the blessings of His
Atonement. You will also be more effective in helping to gather Israel.
My dear brothers and sisters, in a coming day, Jesus Christ
will return to the earth as the millennial Messiah. So today I call upon you to rededicate
your lives to Jesus Christ. I call upon you to help gather scattered
Israel and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. I call upon you to talk of
Christ, testify
of Christ, have faith
in Christ, and rejoice
in Christ!
Come unto Christ and “offer your whole [soul]” to Him. This is the secret
to a life of joy!
The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters,
because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is
hastening His work. The
best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ.
I bear my solemn witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God. I am His disciple. I am honored to be His servant. At His Second Coming,
“the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”
That day will be filled with joy for the righteous!
Through the power of the sacred priesthood keys I hold, I
declare this truth to you and to all the world! In the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.
My Asia Area gmail signs off with what the Lord said in Matthew 25:
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in, Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me...And the King shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," [Matthew 25: 35-36, 40]
It's a wonderful reminder every time I send multiple emails throughout the day, of why we're here in Hong Kong as Area Welfare Specialists.
October Saturday Activities Below: October 1-History & Science Musuem (museums are open to the public free on holidays), we're just older kids!
New sports complex development area on Kowloon side
As we came back to the Hong City side of the Island...this 75th celebration was quite colorful, domestic workers find places to be together on their mandatory holidays:
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