Stake Conference, Perspectives, and Fire Drills

This weekend is the Stake Conference for the Phnom Penh South Stake. It has been one year since the creation of the first two stakes in Cambodia.  Presiding at this conference is Elder Leonard Woo, Area Seventy from Singapore.  It is always a treasured opportunity to sit in conference with such wonderful leaders.

Tonight’s meeting gave us some interesting perspectives. Elder Woo taught many in Singapore are busy chasing after things to make their lives more comfortable, but are not finding happiness. There are five C’s that we need avoid making our main focus and love: cash; credit cards; cars; condominiums; country club membership.

In contrast, he taught, there are five C’s that will make you rich: Christ; Covenants; Church; Callings; and Charity. Elder Woo said, no matter how much money, power, or position a person may have, “The poorest member in Cambodia can sign the same Covenant Contract as the richest member in New York. Many people in the world have money but no happiness, and no eternal life. The Scriptures say 'He who has eternal life is rich.' Remember, he who follows Christ is rich."

This teaching made us think about one very small three or four story building, the little green one, nestled in the middle of many large impressive structures. This little home has as great a value to those who live there at keeping them safe and warm as those in the more spacious elaborate buildings.

 After our meeting we returned to our apartment, and ate a simple dinner of left-overs. We had just finished when we heard a fire alarm sound in the hall. We dutifully grabbed our computer bag and walked down the 6 flights of stairs . I guess this is one way to get to meet the neighbors. After about 5 to 10 minutes, the alarm stopped and the all clear was given to return to our apartment. I guess they needed to test their fire drills.