Elder and Sister Gong Uplift Cebuano Youth in Devotional

Elder Geritt W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Susan L. Gong joined young men and women, ages12-17, in a devotional held in Cebu City, Philippines on February 19. 

Accompanying them were Philippines Area President Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, his wife, Anita Wakolo, and Area Authority Seventy Elder Edmarc Dumas with his wife Sister Donna Dell Dumas. A total of 555 youth from Talisay, Mandaue, Cebu City, Cebu Central, and Liloan Stakes (dioceses) in the island of Cebu attended the devotional. 

Elder Gong's visit was the first time since Elder Quentin L. Cook’s visit in January 2020 which was cut short by the Taal Volcano eruption in Batangas, Philippines. It came at a time after travel restrictions in the Philippines were eased following a period of heightened security because of the surge in COVID-19 cases and the onslaught of Typhoon Odette (International Name: Rai) late last year. 

Sister Gong’s message focused on trusting the Lord. She emphasized how we should trust that answers to our prayer come in Christ's way. She shared a story about a friend’s daughter who was having a difficult time making friends after their family moved to a new state. The girl prayed that she would not have to go back to school, but her mother suggested changing her prayer. At her mother’s advice, she then changed her prayer for her to make just one friend, which was fulfilled instantly. Sister Gong said, “Prayer is not a vending machine. It is a conversation with God.” 

Several youth were given a chance to speak to Elder Gong during the devotional and share their testimonies with him. He responded by focusing his message on three things. He said, “I would like to talk about the value of a name, emblems of belonging, and that you have a very bright future.” 

Value of a Name

Elder Gong asked some of the youth about how they got their names after sharing how he got his. They expressed the definition and origin of their names. He said of the value of a name, “Make your name a name that people respect.” 

He added, asking, “When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the name of Christ. What does that mean to you?” One youth said that “[she is] a precious daughter of God,” while another answered, “It means I am saved through His Atonement”. Elder Gong then taught, “Your name is attached and connected to Jesus Christ.” 

Emblems of Belonging 

“What does your medallion mean to you?” Elder Gong asked the young women. Several expressed that the medallion is a symbol that they should be an example to everyone and a reminder of their being daughters of God. 

Elder Gong took the opportunity to teach as he held up the emblems given to young men and women, including the temple recommend holder with Christ’s image, saying, “There is a theme in these emblems. It is the temple and Jesus Christ”.  He then encouraged the youth to be part of the #4600 who will serve a mission within the next four years as he showed his “I Will Go, I Will Serve” wristband. 

You Have a Very Bright Future

“The decisions that we make open the future and close it,” taught Elder Gong. He then admonished, “Decisions to pray open the future. Decisions that lead you to commit sin, close it. Choose things that will open your future. For example, gaming is fun. Too much gaming is a decision that will close your future. Choose the things that will give you limitless possibilities.” 

He relates the story of Nephi and the broken bow, relaying that Nephi had so much faith that the Lord had commanded him to make just a single arrow. “He may tell you to make many arrows, but sometimes He will tell you to make an arrow.” 

Reflections from the Youth 

Several youths expressed their joy after having participated in the devotional. 

Kit, 18, from Lapu Lapu said, “What I learned from Elder Gong is that we choose what opens our future."

Leah, 18, also from Lapu-Lapu shared, “I learned a lot. I learned that the symbols and emblems point directly to Jesus Christ.” 

Samantha, 15, from Talisay reflected, “…prayer is very essential in our lives. Like  Elder Gong mentioned, by choosing the right choices, we open doors. I am so grateful that I grew up in the Church because it has helped me choose the right and has protected me from worldly things. I know that the Savior’s standards are true and exact.”