The Zhao Family

大家好！

我們最近沒有很多朋友來參加教會。看來這段時間大家都很忙。我們也有機會帶人參觀教會，幫助他們認識福音的重點。雖然沒有太多機會再約時間，希望這個星期可以找到時間一起見面。我們的英文區的轉介系統也出現了問題，所以比較難找到朋友。希望很快可以解決了。

星期五到星期六，我和梁長老有機會交換同伴。很高興有機會再跟他一起服務，雖然只有廿四小時。在這段時間裡，因為他是普通話傳教士，我的國語考驗了。星期六早上，我們跟兩位姊妹傳教士及教會的「公共關係部門」代言人，黃姊妹，帶十位宣道會的基督徒教友參觀來我們的灣仔教堂。他們很有禮貌，和我們分享了很多。在最後的部分，我跟兩位成員交流，後來我發現左手便的先生是他們教會的牧師。很感謝有這個機會向這個教會作見證，並分享一些關於傳教士的特別責任。

我和沈長老最近集中練習廣東話。因為他在這個英文分會開始他的傳道，我們需要用所有機會來練習。他也教導我一些菲律賓語，所以我也可以開始認識多一些街上的姐姐。

I am running a bit out of time to share because I've used a lot of time on this Cantonese portion, and I hope all of you find a way to read it in English. Grandma can only read Cantonese so hopefully she will find it easier to read every email the more I write.

Just before I finish here there are a couple of thoughts I loved throughout the week. As a zone we have this thing called a "personal study insights" group chat where we share things we learn or think to be insightful every day. I made it a goal to share something every day, and I figured because of the lack of time here I would share these simple excerpts that you may find useful.

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"By acknowledging that every good thing comes from Jesus Christ, we will communicate our faith more effectively to others. We will have courage when confronted with seemingly impossible tasks and circumstances...
... We will be filled with the love of God, want to help those in need without being judgmental, love our children and raise them in righteousness, retain a remission of our sins, and always rejoice. These are the remarkable fruits of remembering God’s goodness and mercy."
-Renlund


"I witness to you that if you will really try and will not rationalize or rebel—repenting often and pleading for the grace, or help, of Christ—you positively are going to be “good enough,” that is, acceptable before the Lord; you are going to make it to the celestial kingdom, being perfect in Christ; and you are going to receive the blessings and glory and joy that God desires for each of His precious children—including specifically you and me."
-Cornish

" The universe was designed to testify of Christ. Consider hibernation. Every creature—every squirrel, insect, snake, or bear—that hibernates and lies dormant during the winter appears to be dead. Each one that comes alive again in the spring testifies of Christ and His Resurrection. Every tree, every plant, every leaf that becomes green each spring—all testify of Christ. Do you think it was by chance that all of these things come to life after appearing to be dead at the same time of year when Jesus came alive again? I don’t think so. All things testify of Christ."
-Todd B. Parker

Jesus Christ is the Great Leader. He is the Master Teacher. His loving example of leading and teaching transcends more than just an ecclesiastical application... His leadership lessons will help you be a better spouse, parent, coach, supervisor, friend, employee, teammate, financial planner, missionary, neurosurgeon, or any other role that gives you the opportunity to interact with and lift others... Follow Him. Lead like He leads. Bless as He blesses. Lift as He lifts. Love as He loves... As we follow Him, He will endow us with power, and we will lead in light and love.
-Mark A. Bragg

"Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."
- President Monson

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Love you all :)
Have a great week
趙長老

大家好！

我們這個星期差不多教完John所有福音的原則。下個月十五號是他安排的洗禮日期。一定是神的安排幫助他來到這個教會。雖然我不能分享太多關於他的故事，他在第一個星期有認識了兩位夫婦傳教士，到現在關係還很好。我很高興有這個機會幫助他。

以外，我們都有機會認識了幾個新朋友。雖然他們沒有太多進步，但是我們一定有勞力。當我有機會訓練沈長老，我每天都學到新的事情。萬聖節我們和初級會慶祝了。他們很可愛。希望你們都興祝很好！

This past Friday, I was able to exchange companions for a day and served with Elder Bement, who is one of our APs. During that exchange I learned a lot, but was most impressed by one thing which has been on my mind. More than anything that I noticed, he was collected and temperate in every interaction. But more than this, it was so effective in bringing peace. No matter what we discussed with people or who it was, each time we reflected this temperance, the interaction brought calm to the person we talked to. Throughout my mission, and especially this experience, I was reminded of one of the greatest blessings of the gospel.

There is a hymn specific to this theme, called “Peace in Christ.” The chorus holds these lyrics,

“He gives us hope
When hope is gone
He gives us strength
When we can’t go on
He gives us shelter
In the storms of life
When there’s no peace on earth

There is peace in Christ.”

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

There is a pervading peace that occurs in our lives as we truly begin to believe in Jesus Christ. Mine has been the blessing of sharing it with others, regardless of where they are in life.

Just this past week we had a couple of friends who came to church who haven't been in a while. One of them, Charlie, whom I taught before we split the area into two companionships, had been swamped with his work complications. Once there and following church he described the peace as “irreplaceable.” Incredibly he has discussed with the other Elders to reschedule his baptism, where he will be able to receive this peace through a new beginning.

To finish I would love to share this quote from one of our church leaders, Matthew J. Eyring… “It is important to not allow our challenges to negatively impact our faith. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered for us. He knows exactly how we feel, especially in our darkest and most trying times. As you humbly turn to the Lord and cast your burdens on Him, you have His promise: ‘Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.’”

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May we remember Christ’s promises as shared in John 14, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Have an amazing week!
趙長老

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