Filipino Young Adults Share Insights from Worldwide Devotional with Elder and Sister Gong 

A Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults was broadcasted on 11 January 2021. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided at the devotional and was joined by his wife, Sister Susan L. Gong. Together, they shared their invitations for young adults to increase their valiance in their testimonies of Jesus Christ. 

Thousands of young adults of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from all over the Philippines watched the broadcast and shared their impressions and comments on the devotional. 

Sister Gong shared a short message, reminding the young adults viewing the devotional to be anxiously engaged in good causes now, and that heaven is not waiting. 

Addressing the anxieties of young adults amidst the uncertain times brought about by the pandemic, she said, “We may feel the plan for our lives is not yet clear, that does not mean that we are waiting for life to begin. These are invaluable years, no matter where you are in your life. This is the season to develop talents.” 

Echoing President Russel M. Nelson’s admonition, “Education is the difference between wishing you could help other people and being able to help them,” she encouraged young adults to “seek out wise and righteous mentors.” 

Brother Henry Pagkalinawan from Lucena 3rd Ward, Lucena Stake said about Sister Gong’s invitation to seek righteous mentors, “Righteous mentors will help us to have a meaningful lives as what they did or have done before and continuing to do.” 

Elder Gong made three invitations to the young adults in virtual attendance of the devotional: to be still and to know that God is God, to change the future now, and to become a better [you]. Encouraging them, he said, “Please come feel his love and his power to grow and change. Let him encircle you in the arms of safety with his assurance you are enough. You have immense divine capacity you can develop daily.” 

Be still and know that God is God 

Elder Gong encouraged young adults to slow down in a fast moving world. He said that slowing down in things that matter less can help one to find the things that matter the most. He said, “When we slow down and seek with faith, our perspective changes... Eternal perspective can anchor us today.” 

He further said that one way to know God is to discern His signature in creation, which are “things made to gladden the heart.” 

He said, “God is knowing, powerful and good. The purpose, elegance and harmony of His creations witness His infinite love and His plan of happiness for each of us.” 

“I need to trust the Lord in every turn of events because He knows everything and He has a perfect plan,” said Sister Jackielyn Belen from San Pablo 3rd Ward, San Pablo Stake. 

Reiterating President Nelson, he said, “Art, literature, and music can enrich us... So can the sciences when understood with faith.” Emphasizing President Nelson’s admonitions, he reaffirmed that to be still and know that God is God is to let God prevail in our lives. 

Build relationships that change the future now 

In his second invitation, Elder Gong encouraged young adults to “build relationships today that change the future for the coming one, five, or even seventy-seven years,” as he told the story of his mother and Sister Melba Oaks, who helped his mother when she was a new convert. 

Sister Melba Oaks’ efforts to reach out and help his mother consequently blessed multiple generations of the Gong family. He also spoke of his parents who, despite societal prejudices and experiences with members who had racial prejudices, persevered to “belong strong” in the Church. 

Elder Gong stressed that young adults need a safe space to learn and live gospel doctrine and Church culture. He said, “We want Church to be a place where we don’t judge each other... As we become compassionate and inclusive, and invite others to do the same, our gospel community becomes more open, vulnerable and inviting” 

Become a better you by working with and beside the Lord of the harvest 

Speaking on the value of work, Elder Gong said, “As we work hard and work smart, opportunities open.”  He spoke with London and Luke Brockbank, who learned of the law of the harvest by working in their family’s garden and shared their experience and learning about how spiritual growth is akin to caring for plants. 

The Brockbanks emphasized that just as plants needs constant and consistent care, we also need a constant renewal of spiritual experiences to grow. Elder Gong said that what is harvested is what is planted, as good is restored for good, but that the Lord is gracious with his blessings. He said, “God adds his mercy to our efforts. The Lord’s tender mercies often generously exceed what our work alone may merit.” 

Bringing attention to the efforts of young adults around the world who are identifying and addressing pressing humanitarian needs created by the pandemic, he said, “We feel compelling cause and divine purpose in offering Christian service.” 

Closing the devotional, Elder Gong reminded the young adults watching to be more patient and understanding of themselves. He said, “Often, what the Lord most needs is for us to let our brightening lights shine brightly each day.” 

To do this, he proposed three additional actions to help young adults grow and work with the Lord and the law of the harvest: worthily hold a temple recommend, let their bishop or branch president know who and where they are to be given a responsibility in the Church, and create a personal environment that will nurture faith and help them keep His commandments. 

Sister Aleena Saligan from Cabuyao 2nd Ward, Cabuyao Philippines Stake said, “We shine when we serve others and bear our testimony. As we diligently follow the Lord's commandments we will be drawn closer to God and he will be very proud of us... It gave me comfort knowing that the Lord is mindful to all of us and that he wants us to be happy.” 

Below are some more comments from the young adults who watched the worldwide devotional (some comments have been edited for brevity and ease of reading): 

The devotional with Elder and Sister Gong offers hope and assurance that I need to continue in the covenant path as a young single adult in the Church. Recent and unfolding events this 2021 are very different from what I have expected, but knowing that a loving Heavenly Father is guiding me helps me to press forward. I have strengthened my testimony that God is aware of and is at work in every detail of our lives.  

Abish Annly Baliwas, San Pablo 3rd Ward, San Pablo Philippines Stake 

The gospel helps us to be more Christlike and to become an example of the believers. It helps us to be the best version of ourselves in the face of every trial and challenge that comes our way. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will never leave us. They will have mercy on us for as long as we are willing to submit ourselves to their will. 

Judy Calingasan, San Pablo 5th Ward, San Pablo Philippines Stake 

After watching the devotional with Elder and Sister Gong, I felt all the more grateful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, most especially in these trying times. It has inspired me to look beyond what meets the eye, to be more hopeful, believing and loving. I need to trust the Lord in every turn of events because He knows everything and He has a perfect plan. This realization will help me move forward without being judgmental of others, being more mindful of someone else's needs, looking at the beauty of life, and inspiring others to do just the same, so we can be a better version of ourselves. 

Jackielyn V. Belen, San Pablo 3rd Ward, San Pablo Philippines Stake 

“‘I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost.’ (D&C 8:1–2) When we receive an impression in our heart and minds, it's a personal revelation from our Heavenly Father. We must write it down. It's too precious a heavenly communication to be missed. Please write them down.” 

Jhorlyne Garcia , Canlubang Ward, Cabuyao Stake 

Be still and know that God is God. Be firm and Let God prevail in our lives. By following the footsteps of our Savior, we can become like him. Love our neighbors and see each other equally. Ministering is one of the many examples of being compassionate to others. Let us be there for one another lifting each other's spirits. We shine when we serve others and bear our testimony. As we diligently follow the Lord's commandments we will be drawn closer to God and he will be very proud of us. He is with us throughout our journey in this life ready to strengthen and support us. As Elder Gong said, "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." It gave me comfort knowing that the Lord is mindful to all of us and that he wants us to be happy. 

Aleena Cornell L. Saligan, Cabuyao 2nd Ward, Cabuyao Philippines Stake 

I am very thankful for this Worldwide YSA Devotional for it gives inspiration and motivation to all single adults and young single adults all over the world. 

I love how Sister Susan Gong emphasizes the phrase, "to have the perfect brightness of hope." At this pandemic, we really need to have hope in our hearts for us to be able to see the good things that this pandemic has. I have a lot of realizations during this pandemic. I learned that even though the situation doesn't align our plans but remember that "Heavenly Father has a plan for us". He loves us so much and I love Him with all my heart and soul. Sister Gong also asked us to seek for righteous mentors like our teachers, friends, grandparents, parents, church leaders, and Jesus Christ. Righteous mentors will help us to live meaningful lives as we learn from what they have done before and are continuing to do.  

"Slowing down in things that matter less helps us find the things that matter most," I was inspired by this statement. Maybe there are times in our lives that we focus on things that matter less and we forget to look or focus on the things that matter more like the scriptures, our calling, our duty, our relationship to God, and more. We need to focus on the things that will lead us to our goal. The invitations that inspired Elder Gong can also inspire us as we deepen our relationship with God, and we can change our future in the right path and by that we can be the better version of ourselves. I know and testify that this devotional was all planned by our loving Heavenly Father. It has given me hope and learning that I can keep and use for the succeeding days. 

Henry Afonso G. Pagkalinawan VI, Lucena 3rd Ward, Lucena Stake 

"Trust the Lord of the harvest to help you become a better you." As I heard this invitation from Elder Gong I immediately realized that Jesus Christ is always beside me, and amidst all of us, to help us better ourselves and become more like Him. Nothing is ever impossible with the Savior; we can do better and be better always.

John Dominic Belda, San Pablo Philippines Stake

I am thankful to Elder and Sister Gong for the recently concluded devotional for young adults. I was deeply moved when Elder Gong said that we must be happy when we are called to be a leader in the church and that when we are called, we must act accordingly on the calling extended to us. If we truly love Him, it should follow that we have the willingness to serve Him. Also, I testify what Sister Gong said about the pandemic -- that it is the time to showcase our talents and to hone them for others and for the Lord.

Jonjie Ezra C. Alvaran San Pablo 5th Ward San Pablo Philippines Stake

The year 2020 was truly a tough one as it brought about a lot of uncertainties; however, we made it through all these difficult times. I attribute that to our knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for I know that through it we can always find hope and peace in our lives. I know that in every ending there is always a new beginning - a new hope that springs forth. I am grateful for the scriptures and the leaders that help me keep that hope alive.

Gelian V. Comendador, San Pablo Philippines Stake

I am very thankful for this Worldwide YSA Devotional for it gives inspiration and motivation to all Single Adult and Young Single Adult all over the world.

 I love how Sister Susan Gong emphasizes the phrase, "to have the perfect brightness of hope". At this pandemic, we really need to have hope in our heart for us to be able to see the good things that this pandemic has.

Thank you Sister Gong for your wonderful message. "Slowly down the things that matter less and help us to find the things that matter most", Elder Gerrit Gong. Maybe there were times in our lives that we focus on things that matter less and we forgot to look or focus on the things that matter most, the scriptures, our calling, our duty, our relationship to God, and many more. We need to focus on the things that will lead us to our goal.

Henry Afonso G. Pagkalinawan, Lucena stake

“Be still and know that God is God. Change the future now. Trust the Lord of the harvest to help you become a better you...” This invitation of Elder Gong has impacted on me so much that I have come to know what I need to do. It has made me realize that now is a crucial time for me because this is the time and age that I am invited to serve a full time mission. I know that God wants me to love others and to focus on what He wants me to do.

Yna Cyrene Puno Andal San Pablo Philippines Stake

As I listen to the words of Elder Gong, it was a great reminder for me to strengthen my relationship to God. He emphasized in being worthy in all things and in all places, cause what we reap is what we sow. So we need to be careful in making choices in our lives that is why we need to trust in God in order for us receive constant nourishment that we need not just for our physical bodies but for our spirit as well. Each of us has a divine role to play, and each person we meet are children of God and they too has a role in building God's kingdom so all we have to do is to help them know their purpose by sharing the Gospel or be friends with them cause all of us are brothers and sisters and no one needs to be left out. One great lesson I learned from elder gong is to judge less and love more. It was a reminder for each of us to not look in the weaknesses of others but instead learning how to love them as Christ loves us. 

Miguel Agustin, Cabuyao Stake

One thing that stood out to me is his third invitation - Trust the Lord of the harvest to help you become a better you. We should always remember that the Heavenly Father is mindful of us and our efforts in becoming better disciples of His Son, Jesus Christ. He knows the desires and intents of our hearts. Surely, no effort is wasted when we do all we can to follow Him regardless of what other people say and trust that He will fulfill His promises.

Kean Ivan Suaybaguio, Lucena Stake

We can't live off of one spiritual experience, so we must always seek a constant reminder every day.

Maura Luz Belen Agustin, Cabuyao Stake

I loved one of Elder Gong’s invitation “Heavenly Father promises us ‘Be Still and know that I am God’”. With all of prevailing adversaries around us, of our endeavors, and of times when we want to give up, one thing that we can do is to “be still” and to trust in His ways, it is only simple yet sometimes our vision is clouded and we depend on worldly solutions. During my challenging moments, where everything seems to fail, it is comforting to know that when you let God do His thing everything seems easier. Heavenly Father’s promise is eternal. He is our God and we should let Him prevail our lives.

Patricia Agustin, Cabuyao Stake

As I watched the Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults with Elder and Sister Gong, I focus on the invitations that they've extended. It helps me realized what I can do to become a better son,a better friend, and a better Disciple of Jesus Christ, it helps me focus on what matters most. Truly we have an immense capacity to become better day by day, little by little and it is possible as center our lives to our Savior Jesus Christ and His teachings.

Brother Aeron Joshua Garin, Santa Cruz Ward

"Slowing down helps us find things that matter most. Things like the beauty of the Earth and our families often go unnoticed until we take conscious effort to slow down and be still. Being still does not mean being lazy though." Some of the things I resolve to do to follow his counsel is by exercising exact obedience. This is especially important since I will soon be a Melchizedek Priesthood holder. Christ has a work for me to do. I will be busier but that's ok. Taking time to be still can help me realize that things will work out for those who love God.

Carl Jacob M. Alvez, Cabuyao Stake

A recording of the devotional is archived on the Latter-day Saints Channel, YouTube, Gospel Media, and Gospel Library under Young Adults, and may be streamed or downloaded at any time.