Church. Chinese style.

Going to church in China is one of the most unique and special experiences. The church is true wherever you go in the world. Living in a country where the LDS church is not prevalent and the members are slim, sure makes me appreciate the gift that this gospel is and increases my faith in it. My desire to share it becomes greater.

Last time I was in China, the nearest branch was a 4 hour bus ride, so we had the unique opportunity of receiving permission to and holding sacrament meeting in our apartment. Each week, about 20 of us English teachers would gather in a one room small apartment and were able to renew our covenants and be strengthened by each other’s testimonies.

This time, as a student in Beijing, I'm blessed to be so close to the Beijing Branch. It only takes about an hour and 15 minutes to get to church taking the bus and subway, quicker if you go by taxi. Today we were part of a miracle. It was the Beijing International District Conference and for the first time, they had seven branches linked together from across China through telecommunication, and many other people dialed in to hear the meeting. There were nearly 800 people listening. We had the opportunity to hear from Anthony D. Perkins of the Seventy, over the Asian area. I feel so renewed when I go to church here and really feel like I need to be spiritually recharged every week. I love going to church in China.

The coolest part about being in China at this season of time, is that we are planting seeds for the future. I have heard so many cool stories lately of Chinese natives that have kept in touch with their LDS friends, leave the country at some point in time and are then allowed to learn about the church that way. I know that the people we come in contact with here in China will remember our examples and will have the opportunity to receive the gospel in the future. They will remember the light that they saw as we lived and will want to have that same light and knowledge. We are all put in places for a reason, and at the time we may not know why, but it’s for a greater purpose that we can’t comprehend.

在中国今天很漂亮! 我喜欢星期日.

Our church in Beijing