Shem Woo returns from his mission (June 2013 – May 2015)

Being on a mission defines what “Being in the world, but not of the world” is. And having returned from on my mission now, I can truly see the difference.

One of the hardest things to do in life is to live your religious values openly and still feel normal to those around you. Whether you are a Muslim, Buddhist, Christian or whatever, living differently can sometimes feel intimidating.

As a Christian, one of the greatest things I have learnt on my mission is how to be a Christian.

Faith, hope, charity and love, virtue, knowledge, patience, humility, diligence and obedience are all Christlike attributes. In fact we see a lot of these attributes in a lot people.

However, one thing that we need to take note of is that there is a big difference between a believer of Christ and a follower of Christ. One might know and yet simply choose to do nothing about it. Whereas another knows and tries his best to be like the Saviour. Actions do speak louder than words.

I was so very fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve a full-time mission in the Australia Sydney North Mission. It has been the greatest two years of my life so far and I will never regret my decision to go on a mission. The miracles I have seen in others and myself, the unforgettable experiences, the hardships, the great friendships and more, count among the wonderful things that I hope will always stay fresh in my mind and heart.

Being on a mission defines what “Being in the world, but not of the world” is. And having returned from on my mission now, I can truly see the difference.

As our needs are mostly taken care of before we come on the mission, we are able to more fully focus on the Lord’s work during the mission. Videos, internet and even correspondence with family and friends back home are limited.

All day, we carry out our purpose, which is to ever more effectively invite others to come unto Christ; we help people receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.

We meet and talk with people everywhere we go. As missionaries, we not only know the message, but we also share and live our unique message as it contains the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A huge part of it is the Book of Mormon, which is available for all to read and discover for themselves (through prayer) if it is indeed a true book of God.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. Every good thing recorded in it is because the people then chose to follow Christ. This takes us back to the earlier point that actions do speak louder than words.

Having dedicated two years of my life to a full time mission for God, I feel I can confidently say that even though I am nowhere close to perfect, I am that much more of a Christian now. And one of my greatest blessings is that it helped me develop a much deeper and stronger relationship with the Lord.

Shem Woo
ASNM, May 2013-2015