A Special Meeting with President Uchtdorf

President Uchtdorf’s message to Hong Kong members: “You are laying the foundation for future generations”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency and his wife, Sister Harriett Uchtdorf, together with their two grandsons who have just completed their missions in Taipei and Taichung, visited Hong Kong in mid-July and held a Special Meeting on 18th July evening at the 1st Floor of Wanchai Chapel.

At this Special Meeting, President Uchtdorf spoke for nearly an hour.  He began by stating that as a frequent flyer to Hong Kong when he worked as a pilot and in senior management for a commercial airline, he had been longing to pay a private visit to this special place which he loves so much.  President Uchtdorf emphasized that he came not because he was assigned to but out of his personal wish. 

President Uchtdorf said he fully understands how hectic the lives of Hong Kong people are, and that he deeply appreciates Hong Kong members for being faithful though circumstances may not be favourable.  President Uchtdorf told the audience that members in Hong Kong are greatly blessed to be led by wonderful leaders and Asia Presidency.  He reminded the audience they may not fully understand what they are doing now, however, they are in fact laying the foundation for the generations to come.  He promised that the future generations will thank them for what they are doing now as faithful members of the Church. 

To demonstrate how Hong Kong members lay the foundation for their descendants, President Uchtdorf invited Brother Felix Wan Shun-yi, a recently returned missionary from New York City and son of Elder Stanley Wan Tak-chung of the Area Seventy, to share his testimony to the audience.  Brother Felix Wan bore a powerful testimony and encouraged all young members to do all they can do to acquire their own witness of the Gospel and prepare for their missions, after which Elder Stanley Wan gave a his son fatherly hug.  President Uchtdorf joyfully remarked, “Father and son!”  He said this father and son are just like each of the faithful Hong Kong members of the Church. 

The powerful talk by President Uchtdorf reminds the Hong Kong members of the simple but important gospel principles which they are all familiar with.  Following are some of the key points President Uchtdof touched on in his address:

1. Gain the passport to Heaven  In an international city like Hong Kong, it is common to see people of different nationalities holding their passports issued by their own countries.  As members of the Church, we need to work hard to acquire our passports to Heaven.
2. Live a balanced life  Hong Kong members usually are busy with their work and study.  President Uchtdorf reminds us to balance our lives by reserving time for God, i.e. to have daily scriptures study.  For those who claim there is no time, he told them to start from reading the scriptures for 2 minutes daily.  The duration would be longer and longer as it becomes a habit.
3. Offer sincere prayers  Though we may feel short on time, we must talk to our Heavenly Father each day.  Avoid mechanical and repetitious prayers.  Pray for our companions, neighbours and community.
4. Important triangular relationship  give thanks for our companion while kneel down together for family prayers.  Doing so a fortified relationship can be established with God, our companion and ourselves.
5. The miracle of the temple  The China Hong Kong Temple is a miracle.  It was revealed by God to the late Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley the best time, place and form to build this temple.  President Uchtdorf encourages each one of us to open our heart to touch and feel this temple.  He also admonished the youngsters not to postpone marriage for studies or work.
6. In his shirt pocket  He showed the audience what is always inside his shirt pocket – a current temple recommend and “For the Strength of Youth”, which he said should be placed close to our hearts.
7. Character of a saint  We are members of Jesus Christ’s church not only because we attend regular church meetings, but for our testimonies to the true gospel and we strive to follow His teachings.

President Uchtdorf concluded his talk by giving his heartfelt encouragement to the single mothers.

All members who took part of the meeting could feel President Uchtdorf’s love for them individually.  He showed his deep love to Hong Kong members by waving his hands many times before and after his talk to the congregations on the 1st Floor of the Wanchai chapel as well as other audience members watching the live broadcast on the 4th and 6th Floors of the Wanchai Chapel, at Kowloon Tong Chapel, Tai Po Chapel, Yuen Long Chapel and Macau Chapel.  They were over 2,300 total attendees (not including Macau).  After the meeting, President Uchtdorf even came to the audience on 1st Floor of at Wanchai Chapel to send his greetings and shake hands with many of them individually.

The special meeting was conducted by Elder Sam Wong Chi-hong, Area Seventy of Hong Kong District.  It was attended by Elder Kent D. Watson, first counselor in the Asia Area Presidency, Sister Watson, Elder Stanley Wan Tak-chung of the Area Seventy, President Charles Goo and the Matron Sister Goo of the China Hong Kong Temple and President Chan Yu-san and Sister Chan of Hong Kong Mission.

By Jessica Chow