We were privileged to attend a special Conference with Sister Linda K Burton, the General Relief Society President, her husband Craig; Randy D Funk, President of the Asia Area, and his wife Andrea, and our Mission President and his wife.
The first meeting was with all of the missionaries in the KL Zone. That did not include us, but since we are in Western Malaysia, we were able to attend. The meeting was so inspiring.
Sister Burton taught us that we all have gifts, and all are different. We are stronger when we work together.
"If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together." African Proverb
President Funk informed us that in the Asia Area there are 1,300 missionaries and 3.6 billion people.
That is pretty overwhelming if you think about it. We are laboring in a very large vineyard and have much work to do. He encouraged us to: "Understand who you are and why you are here, and allow it to shape you and mold you."
Since it was Valentines Day, our husbands treated us with a red rose, bought from a street vendor and dinner at Texas Chicken. It was fun to celebrate with two other special missionary couples.
Sister Burton has a special way of making every person feel like they are the most important person in the room. She never makes you feel rushed or that she is too busy. She listened to each person intently as they spoke to her and if they wanted pictures with her she was so gracious. What a beautiful example she is to all of the sisters of the church.
Emily works for the church in KL and I interact with her frequently. She is such a pleasant, sweet young woman, always willing to help and answer my questions.
We met Elder Hew at the conference for Young Single Adults. He just recently completed his mission. He was with us when we first came to Malaysia. He is a great young man with a wonderful future ahead of him, having already graduated from college.
One of the highlights of the meetings for me was our trip to The Pure Life Society. Organized in 1949 to promote multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious understanding, this organization provides a home, education and relief to the poor, orphans and displaced children of Malaysia. They have also added a women's wing to assist displaced women.
The President is a beautiful woman, Mother A Mangalam,
who just recently turned 90 years old. She was so kind and gracious, and I felt instant love for her. She has spent her life in service to the children.
"The power of women is indeed great and a very responsible one. It is the greatest power on earth - known as Sakti in Sanskrit. This great power can build and can destroy. It is up to the woman, who is an embodiment of motherly love and grace, to make use of this greatest power on earth for constructive purposes." Mother A Mangalam
There was an instant bond between these two women who are devoted to serving.
Mother presented a gift basket to Sister Burton filled with hand-made gifts from the children.
As we walked into this room they had Mormon Tabernacle music playing. They had prepared a very special program for the visiting dignitaries to introduce them and thank them for the humanitarian aid that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided to them. They have been working together for several years.
I feel so blessed to have been able to experience this and to meet Mother.
They wanted to show their visitors their Temple which was recently refurbished
with much assistance from Mormon Helping Hands. One of the senior missionaries, Elder Patterson, was asked to dedicate it for them.
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