大家好！
This week was amazing. Only for the first couple of days did we plan for transfers, when all of the missionaries are transported to their new areas. Between the phone SIM swaps and transportation plans for each missionary moving, it was a blessing when on Thursday everything came together smoothly.
However that is not what made the week blessed. Following that same transfer morning we went to the temple for the first time with our recent convert 阿偉. Since he is a security guard, this opportunity was something that we had been waiting for even longer than the 3 months I have been here.
That night, he was able to provide a proxy baptism for a family member there, and it is indescribable the reverence and gratitude he showed as he provided the ordinance, understanding the opportunity he was granting to his father who had passed.
It was especially amazing when during the dinner we had with him before visiting the temple, he mentioned that he had had a dream the previous night... In this dream he shared that he saw his father, who asked him "[阿偉, is there a chance you can give me the chance to accept baptism]?" 阿偉 explained, "[Yes, I am attending the temple tomorrow. I know missionaries who have taught this to me and I am helping you soon.]"
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live" (John 5:25).
It is a blessing to be able to serve in Hong Kong and help others receive the fulness of the Gospel. Above anything it is humbling to see the testimony of one who tries for them self and is taught by the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth [who] will guide you into all truth. What we put forth has a small sacrifice magnifies itself into our own testimonies.
President Monson once shared, quoting Edwin Markham,
There is a destiny that makes us brothers;
None goes his way alone:
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.
//
Throughout the week we also had the opportunity to share with our friends Simon and Tiger. Quidde's been really busy with work but we hope to help him continue progressing soon. Simon is doing well and is spending more time in the scriptures to help him find the testimony he needs. He came to church this past fast Sunday and fasted with us for that very need. Tiger came back from being in Mainland and we were able to help him attend the baptismal service in the neighboring Olympic ward on Sunday. He is also interested in learning more of what it means to be baptized, and even asked us about the rules on the parking lot so he can drive his kids to church once the five of them join him in Hong Kong.
In terms of office work there are of course many tasks, especially to help the newly arrived missionaries get situated in the mission. However recently we have been given the special task of finding a new apartment on the Island because one of the landlords expressed no interest in renewing our lease. President deligated us to basically everything other than finalizing the contract, so we have been working with agents and going to apartment viewings which has been pretty cool.
Lastly, this is week 52, and there are 52 weeks in a year. Although I will actually be hitting my year mark tomorrow, I have spent some time recently reflecting on how my mission has gone. Between all of the missionaries, friends, and converts I have met, there have been so many things that I have experienced, learned, and never want to forget. I look forward to sharing more next week.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qkaoEe965etiYQuj7See you soon,
Elder Zhao!
