Marisa Khong Returns from Her Mission (Sept 2012 – March 2014)

I served in the New York, New York North Mission and spent the majority of my time in Chinatown. It has been a wonderful journey.

I learned so much from those I served and served with. I have also come to learn more of my Savior and his Atonement. Throughout my mission, I always relied on Proverbs 3:5-6, which reads, 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.' I realized that I couldn't do the Lord's work unless I knew what He wanted me to do and how He wanted it to be done. No matter what happens, I know that He has a plan for all of us. As I find and teach, it is so important for me to be bold in sharing my testimony even though I may be rejected.

I had the opportunity to be an Online Proselyting Missionary and to use social media as part of my missionary work. The Lord is hastening His work and I witnessed how social media is helping. My Zone did a chalk drawing of the Plan of Salvation at Union Square and the video went viral on YouTube, Facebook and on our blog. There are many ways to share the gospel and as we do so, we can let others know about the fullness of the gospel and our testimony will be strengthened as well.

These past 18 months, I have come to realize the importance of humility. When I was serving in Chinatown, I was able to serve the people from mainland China. They do not have much; many lack language skills and education and can only work in restaurants labouring seven days a week. Even though they do not have a lot, they have the gospel. That is their only hope to help them lead a better life. They know the purpose of life and their constant desire to serve the Lord touched my heart. I realized that what we have in life is not important; all we need is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church on the earth. The Book of Mormon is true and it can bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. I know that we have a living prophet President Thomas S. Monson who receives revelations to guide us. This is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.