Hong Kong Multi-stake Member Meeting with Elder Russell M. Nelson

Hong Kong Multi-stake Member Meeting with Elder Russell M. Nelson

Elder Russell M. Nelson

By Dois Pai – HK Public Affairs Council, Media Assistant

“Members in Hong Kong are spoiled,” Sister Nelson jokingly began, commenting on how the people in Hong Kong are blessed to live in such a beautiful city that serves delicious cuisines, dazzles the eye with neon nights, and sells stylish goods.

On the Friday evening of February 20, 2009, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paused from their hectic schedules and gathered at the Wan Chai Church Administration Building to listen to counsel from Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Sister Wendy W. Nelson and the Asia Area Presidency.

Elders Watson and Perkins, counselors in the Asia Area Presidency, spoke on the wonderful things they have learned during their long service in Asia, and the keys to finding peace during these troubled times respectively. Elder Hallstrom, Asia Area President, reminded the Saints of their responsibility to make this very evening a powerful spiritual experience. He urged all to not only listen to the talks but to act upon the counsel given.

The spirit was so strong throughout the meeting that night and through the beautiful musical number performed by the Tolo Harbour Stake Single Adults, it touched every person’s heart. Sister Nelson was deeply impressed by their performance and likened their voice to the Mormon Tabernacle choir. Sister Nelson shared her experience of receiving a beautifully wrapped gift when she first arrived in Hong Kong. The wrapping of the package was so exquisite that she at first mistook it for the gift itself. Sister Nelson likened this gift to the temple. All the temples of the Church are architecturally beautiful. But standing on the outside, simply admiring their beauties, is not enough. The real beauty of the temple is found on the inside where priesthood keys bestow the knowledge and ordinances required for families to return to Heavenly Father’s presence.

Elder Nelson also spoke on the theme of holy temples. He began by presenting an overview of the history of temples, reviewing ancient temples built during the days of Abraham, King Solomon, and Nephi, to gather the Saints and bring them into the presence of God. He went on to speak of temples built in this dispensation: Kirtland, Nauvoo, and Salt Lake, where the Prophet Brigham Young set his foot on the ground and declared the place to build that temple. The Lord’s work never ceases. The purpose of the temple in Hong Kong is the same as those built in the ancient days. It is to build the kingdom of God. In these times of economic downturn, many may feel a financial burden and be occupied with worries about the uncertainty of the future. Elder Nelson offered this advice: "Let's not lose our perspectives. There are things that don't really matter in this life. There are other things of highest significance to our salvation."

Attending the temple regularly gives members an eternal perspective, thus giving them the peace of mind needed and the eternal knowledge necessary to cope with today’s uncertainties.

Yes, members in Hong Kong are spoiled with apostolic counsel, timely guidance from their local priesthood leaders, and the most exquisite gift of all, the Hong Kong China Temple. To many Hong Kong members this evening will be one of the most memorable moments in their lives. Acting upon the counsel to visit the temple regularly will make this night’s experience one with eternal significance.

March 2009