We Gather to Hear The Word of God

As we went to church this morning we had heard that Chaktomuk Ward and the wards in the South Stake were still having regular church even though the East District was planning on watching General Conference. We planned on attending Sacrament Meeting then slipping out to join the other missionaries for conference. We were not alone in this understanding, as we gathered with about 20 members, but no bishopric or Ward leaders. In counseling with the other missionaries it was decided to hold a short sacrament meeting anyway.

General Conference was inspiring and a great renewal of the spirit. We may have been delayed a week to sit and gather and hear counsel given by so many inspired leaders, but the effect is no less powerful, gathering in a church around the world in Cambodia. We still marvel at how the theme from one talk often flows into the message of the next. Being able to hear the messages has given more understanding to the memes we have seen posted during the past week.

We appreciated the message from President Thomas S. Monson, "As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others", is not just for those of us who wear a black name badge. We need to look for "opportunities to shine ... each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others."

So many other messages will be put into use here. Several of them fit into the Self-Reliance category, all of them will strengthen us and help us become better if we put into practice the principles we were taught. And Elder Bednar's concluding address was a wonderful tribute to so many who have received their "transfer" to the other side of the veil.

At the end of day we took just a few moments to watch as the sun set on another glorious day.