Singapore Stake Devotional with Elder M Russell Ballard 2015

What an honour to have living Apostles visit Singapore. Members of the Singapore Stake were treated to an uplifting fireside with Elder M Russell Ballard (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles), Elder Ronald A Rasband (Senior President of the Presidency of the Seventy) and Bishop Gary E Stevenson (Presiding Bishop) on the 27^th February. The Stake Centre was completely full and many heard in person the apostolic call that Elder Ballard delivered at the end of the evening.

The choir opened the fireside with the hymn I Believe in Christ. Elder Ballard took that thought and introduced the evening and the rest of the speakers by emphasising that “We believe in Christ!”

Highlights

Speakers included Bishop Stevenson, Sister Melanie Rasband, Elder Rasband and Elder Ballard. During Elder Ballard’s talk, he also invited his wife, Sister Barbara Ballard and daughter to speak; all in attendance were edified by the speakers and their comments and testimonies. A few highlights from the evening’s talks include:

• Bishop Stevenson spoke of the importance of gaining our own testimony. In particular, we were asked to ponder on how we can strengthen our testimonies of the Book of Mormon, and even make the Book of Mormon the KEYSTONE of our testimonies.
• Sister Rasband added to that, testifying of the power of prayer.
• Sister Rasband also spoke of the importance of gaining our own testimony; and that one of the best ways to achieve this is through regular study of the scriptures. Indeed, the scriptures often are the answers to our prayers!

Much, much more was said than can be covered in this report, but let us close with some of Elder Ballard’s remarks.

Elder Ballard asked everyone to give more importance to the Sabbath Day. We all have many pressures and distractions, but the Sabbath Day needs to be re-enthroned as the Lord’s Day.

Elder Ballard then shared the story of a returned missionary who had read some anti-Mormon literature and found his testimony on very shaky ground. He wanted to meet with Elder Ballard. Elder Ballard agreed and asked if he was giving equal time to reading the Book of Mormon as he was to the other literature. The missionary had not. Elder Ballard agreed to meet him in two weeks, but asked that the young man spend 30 minutes reading the Book of Mormon each day until their next meeting. Well, in two weeks’ time, the young man no longer needed the advice or input from Elder Ballard. The young man had regained his testimony and firm foundation. We can all find power in the Book of Mormon. Let us all give the Lord equal time.

Apostolic call

Importantly, Elder Ballard extended a very important call to all the members in Singapore. He asked us to pray daily, for 90 days, that each of us may find someone within that time who is prepared to hear and understand the gospel message. It is interesting to note that Elder Ballard visited the saints in Hong Kong on this Asia wide visit too, but that this call was not extended to the saints there.

Finally, Elder Ballard expressed his sincere love for everyone. As members, we would be wise to heed the call of an Apostle. Miracles can happen. The Lord’s work will move forward, with or without us, but the Lord would have us ‘thrust in our sickles’ and help hasten the work. Whether or not we are successful, we will have tried our best, and thereby we will be blessed. We look forward to the next visit of General Authorities to Singapore and would encourage everyone to attend if they are able.

Report: S Tan and T Jelsma