I was surprised how emotional I was as I began my talk. I'm not really quite sure why other then it's been an emotional time preparing to go for such a long time and I was speaking about things that are very dear to my heart...
I’ve had several scriptures going
through my mind the past month or so that I’d like to share:
14 …. I give unto you to be the
light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Behold, do men light a acandle
and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to
all that are in the house; (isn’t that a
beautiful image!)
16 Therefore let your alight
so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and bglorify
your Father who is in heaven.
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou
shalt alove
the Lord thy God with all thy bheart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy cmind.
38 This is the first and great acommandment.
40 On these two commandments
hang all the alaw
and the prophets.
7 And it came to pass that
I, Nephi, said unto my father: I awill
go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord
giveth no bcommandments
unto the children of men, save he shall cprepare
a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
Mosiah 23: 10 Nevertheless, aafter
much btribulation,
the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an cinstrument
in his hands…..
Moses 1:39 This is my work and my glory to bring to pass the
immortality and eternal life of man.
I’ve never been one who felt like I could share the gospel
with a complete stranger…or even share the gospel with some of my friends. But we have been given the greatest gift of
all time…knowledge of Jesus Christ and who we are, where we came from and where
we are going and what our Heavenly Father wants from us. Do we really want to hide that under a
bushel? Or do we want to share our
light so that others can glorify God.
Jesus Christ wants us to share the gospel, and we can do that by
teaching or by example. Sometimes the
only way to share the gospel is by our examples. We share our light by the way we live our
lives, how we treat others…we made a covenant at baptism to stand as a witness
of God at all times and in all things and in all places…to let our light shine
before this people. And as we share our light, we become instruments in God’s
hands to help Him in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. And we are willing to do that…to make the
sacrifices necessary to do that…because we love our Heavenly Father and Jesus
Christ and our fellowmen.
WE went to China 2 years ago to teach English through a
program sponsored by the Church through BYU.
We had no idea what we were
getting in to. In 2 days we will be
leaving for the MTC in New Zealand and 10 days later, on to Fiji. We will be working in the schools owned by the
Church teaching courses to the teachers to help them become certified. Again, we have no idea what we are getting in
to. For those that don’t know the story,
Kim and I taught English at a university in Xi’an China. We went in August 2017 for 10 months. We were
home for only 4 months before we were asked to return to Xi’an in 4 months to
take the place of a couple that was called to be a mission president. When we got that call to return, we were in
the process of submitting papers to go on a mission. We had been asked to come to this particular
mission because of our experiences in teaching and Kim’s administration
experience in the public schools. Katie
was expecting her 4th child and I had committed to her to teach her
preschool when she had the baby which was due the week they wanted us to return. This was not the best time to return to
China, despite how much we loved our time there previously. After much
consideration, prayer, and discussions with our children and my aging parents,
we decided that this was what the Lord wanted us to do. This was where we needed to be. Two days after returning to China, we
received our call to teach education courses to the teachers at the church
owned schools in Fiji. So, we have been
given many opportunities to let our light shine. We had a remarkable experience with our
college students. We learned so much
about some of God’s precious children.
In 1991 President Dallin H Oaks gave a devotional address at
BYU where he spoke about China. Quoting
from that address, He said: “People sometimes ask me about what can be done to
“open China.” In response, I state my belief that China is already “open”—it is
we who are closed. We are closed because we expect the Orient to be the same as
the West, China to be the same as Canada or Chile. We must open our minds and
our hearts to the people of this ancient realm and this magnificent culture. We
must understand their way of thinking, their aspirations, and their impressive
accomplishments. We must observe their laws and follow their example of
patience. We must deserve to be their friends.”
We definitely left feeling honored and blessed to have
served these people who are so different from us but are so much like us.
The church has a great relationship with China but we still
have restrictions. There are no missionaries serving in China. We were not missionaries or set apart as
such. But we were reminded often of our important role.
We are allowed to hold church meetings. But not with the Chinese. The Chinese members of the church are allowed
to hold church meetings. But not with
foreigners. We are told that there is a
small branch of Chinese members who meet together but we are not told who they
are or where they meet. We cannot talk
about the church to any of the Chinese people.
If they ask us questions about our religious beliefs, we have to
politely decline giving an answer. So,
what is the reason for the church in sending 80 English teachers to China every
year? To let their light so shine among
this people, that they may see their good works…. To plant a seed. To prepare the people so that when the day
comes when their government will allow missionaries to come into their country
and will allow them to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, they will have had an
example set for them. It’s also to help
prepare us so we will know their ways and their culture and know better how to
be their friends.
there were times, though, when I so wished I could just tell
my students a little bit about our religion.
To help them see that they are children of a God who loves them. To tell them about Jesus Christ who loves
them equally and who sacrificed all things so that they could not only have
life after death but so that they could have comfort and strength and peace in
times when they need it the most. That
they have a purpose. But I couldn’t.
Each day our classes would start with 4 or 5 students asking
me a question. They could ask anything
they wanted. Just to give them the
opportunity to speak. One day a student
asked me: “If we existed before this life, would you want to know about it?”
When he asked me that, I just looked at him. Then I think I asked him to repeat the question
to make sure I understood him correctly.
Was he really asking me if I believed in a pre-existence? Would I want to know about it? WHY yes, I would. And not only would I but I DO know about
it. But I was restricted in what I could
say. So I told him as much as I thought
I dare—yes I would want to know and I actually have a belief that we existed
but it’s part of my religious belief and I’ve made a commitment to not talk
about it. And he understood.
The biggest thing I learned while living in China…in a
country where most of the 1.4 billion people don’t even believe that a God
exists….was that they have some hope and/or faith that life maybe existed
before and they definitely believe that life continues after this life.
The
Chinese have a holiday that they call Tomb Sweeping. In this holiday, families gather pictures of
items that their deceased family members might need, like computers, cars or
clothing. They also purchase fake
money. Then on the night of tomb
sweeping, they build a small fire and burn the money and the pictures believing
that these things will be sent to their ancestors. Now if that’s not a belief in life after
death than I don’t know what is!!!
Because I know they had these strong feelings toward their
families, I did a unit on families, as did many teachers. Each week we discussed different members of
the family. I began by having them make
a pedigree chart. All my students could
fill in their parents and most could fill in grandparents. But very few knew anything about their
great-grandparents. So, there was a
great assignment, to talk to their parents and grandparents and find out who
their great grandparents are. Then I
gave them an assignment to find out something about one of their
great-grandparents and come back to class ready to share their story. Then a
story about one of their grandparents. And
then their parents. And lastly, a story
about themselves. We talked at length
about who they were. I couldn’t tell
them they were a child of God but I could tell them that they are who they are
because of their parents – their grandparents – and their great
grandparents. The lives they lived have
a great influence on their life today. I
talked to them about how important they are and how they each have purpose! I asked them to look inside themselves and
find out who they are. What is it that
they can do in this life. What is their
purpose? During all our discussions each
week, I always brought in examples of my own family and my ancestors and talked
about our relationships and how much my family means to me. I wanted them to know they could make a
difference and living a good life and making good choices will bring them
happiness. That love is the tool that
will change the world.
Did I teach the gospel?
Not really BUT yes kind of. I
planted a seed. I gave them something to
think about. I tried to let them see my light so that one day when the gospel
is introduced to them, whether in this life or the next, that the seed I
planted will come out of its hiding place and start to grow.
I’d like to share a few profound comments from students that
shows that the seeds have been planted and the light has been shone. These are students who most do not believe in
a loving Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ.
But who believe in family and are trying to believe in themselves:
“Not everything in life works out exactly as planned but if
you trust in the cycle of the seasons you know that in the long term you will
reap the harvest you have sown.”
“Families are the aggregate of love. The harbor
of feelings. The cradle of growth. The spiritual paradise.”
*“It is true that everybody should be virtuous. Good and
honest is the basic thing for everyone.
Good and honest is the best thing that my parents gave me. I don’t want to be a person who has too much
money or is very famous. I just want to
try my best to do what I should do and to be more kindly and modest.”
*talking about her grandparents, one student said, “though
they will leave us one day, you know death is not the ending of life but
forgetting is. The most honor I show
them is remember them and pass on their story, generation after generation.”
“Grandparents that have passed are now standing in front of
me…in family research.”
The seeds for doing family research are being planted all
over China. ….aturning
the bhearts
of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers,” What an honor for me to see their spirits
searching, longing, and having faith that there is more than what the eye
beholds.
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, we are asked to share our light.
We are asked to stand as a witness.
We are asked to search out our families and bring them all into the
fold. We are asked to Help others Come
unto Christ. We have been asked to Love
our neighbors as ourselves.
One day in RS the RS president made the comment that she
knew God loved all of us but she didn’t really comprehend how that is
possible. A few days later as I walked
down the street I thought of all the people I had met in China. I thought of the great love that I had for
them and how much I was going to miss them when I returned home the following
week. I thought about how my heart just
kept expanding so that I could continue to love more and more people. And I had a little glimpse into how God can
love ALL of us. I was kind of like the
Grinch…my heart grew 10 Times at least!!!
Again Quoting Dallin H. Oaks: “I
believe that in China the Lord will do his own work, and, as he has said in
modern scripture, his work will be done “in his own time, and in his own way,
and according to his own will” (D&C 88:68).
In the meantime, we are privileged to be good friends to our Chinese
brothers and sisters.”
Kim and I have had the privileged to be GOOD Friends to our
Chinese brothers and sisters. The
gospel is rolling forth in God’s way and in God’s time, according to his will.
Now we move onward to Fiji.
And again We really do not know what to expect. It will be a totally
different experience. Here we will work
with members of the Church of Jesus Christ.
We will be teaching in Church owned schools where the students address
their teachers by Brother and Sister. We
will be free to talk freely of Jesus Christ
and His light and His gospel and the joy that it can bring into our
lives. We are anxious and willing to
stand as a witness once more and let our light so shine before this people.
The Gospel is true.
Heavenly Father Loves all His children—rich and poor, black and white,
tall and short, old and young. Asian or Fijian.
I’m grateful to have the gospel in my life. As Elder Clark said in priesthood session of
conference, “have we not cause to rejoice?”
I rejoice in the knowledge of my Savior and his love for all mankind. All the good that we do is because of LOVE. I
rejoice in the prospects of the gospel going forth to China. I rejoice in the prospects of serving the
people of Fiji as we help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
I am grateful to each of you and the support we feel from
you. We are blessed to have been among
so many good friends for so many years who have shared your light with us and
shown us the way.
I am so grateful that 3 of our daughters, a son in law and 8
of our grandchildren have joined us today. I love the gospel. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ….I will go
and let my light so shine before this people….
I say that in HIS name, even Jesus Christ, AMEN.
Here is Kim's talk:
July 28, 2019 Mission Talk
From the day we arrive on the planet.
And blinking step into the sun,
There’s more to see than can ever be seen.
More to do than can ever be done.
There’s far too much to take in here,
More to find than can ever be found
More to learn
More to give
More to share
I Like the words of St Fransis who said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words.”
I’d like to talk just briefly about our experiences the past
one and a half years in China and why we are headed to Fiji on a mission.
China
Teachers Program – Not a mission
The China Teachers Program (CTP) is a outreach program of
the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies at Brigham Young
University. Its purpose is to provide seasoned U.S. teachers to Chinese
universities.
Since
the program’s inception in 1989, over 1,500 teachers have taught tens of
thousands of students at major universities in China. CTP teachers are mostly retired
educators and professionals who bring the wisdom and experience of their
successful careers to their classes. Their conscientious service benefits
Chinese students, host universities, BYU, and the teachers themselves.
PROGRAM GOALS - Mission
- To provide instruction in English in selected content areas to affiliated Chinese universities for the enrichment of Chinese university students,
- To build academic and cultural ties between BYU, and Chinese universities, in order to promote mutual understanding and trust.
- To provide an opportunity for CTP teachers to absorb the ancient and modern culture of China, to enable them to develop friendship and respect for their Chinese students and the People’s Republic of China
- To provide Chinese students with an intimate and extended exposure to American teachers to increase their awareness of America.
China was Not a mission but did a lot of missionary work
China was Not a mission but did a lot of missionary work
|
In the
book of Alma, there is an account of the sons of Mosiah, who went up to the
land of Nephi to preach to the Lamanites; the account tells of their experiences
there.
Alma 17
5 Now
these are the circumstances which attended them in their journeyings, for
they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in body and in mind,
such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit.
9 And it came to pass that they journeyed many
days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord
would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with
them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring,
if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the
truth,
10 And it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with
his Spirit, and said unto them: Be comforted. And they were
comforted.
11 And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the
Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient
in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good
examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my
hands unto the salvation of many souls.
Alma 26:
27 Now when their hearts were depressed, and they were about to
turn back, behold, the Lord comforted them, and said: Go amongst thy
brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions,
and I will give unto you success.
Alma 26:
9 For if we had not come up out of the land of Zarahemla,
these our dearly beloved brethren, who have so dearly beloved us, would still
have been racked with hatred against us, yea, and they would also have
been strangers to God.
7 But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day.
8 Blessed be the name of
our God; let us sing to his praise, yea, let us give thanks to his
holy name, for he doth work righteousness forever.
Alma 26
31 Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of
our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and
we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their
brethren and also towards us.
|
An account of Kim & Rhonda Roper in China
We had a wonderful time in China. To say there were not hard days for us would
be a lie. We had days of “suffering”
in body and mind. We had days of
hunger, thirst and fatigue.
We prayed every morning that the Lord would bless us in our
teaching and make us instruments in God’s hands to bring if it were possible,
our Chinese students to not only improve their English skills, but also
discover truth. “Truth is not
invented, it’s discovered.”
In China we were blessed on many occasions with the spirit
of the Lord which guided us and comforted us as we were away from or beloved
family and dear friends. We were
blessed with patience in some or our afflictions. (Culture shock). We were blessed to be good
examples to hundreds of our beloved Chinese students and be instruments in
the Lords hands in teaching them.
We experience some depressing days where at times we may
have longed for home and longed for American food. But the Lord comforted us, he gave us
patience to endure some difficulties, and he gave us success.
Rhonda and I have often said to each other, “What if we
hadn’t gone to China?” How different
our lives would be. We loved our
Chinese students (our Chinese brothers and sisters) who so dearly loved
us. Who without our example, and
service, and love, could or most likely would have such different opinions of
Americans, who are very much strangers to them in many ways.
I testify that the Chinese people are in the hands of the
Lord, and they are indeed his, and he will raise them up at the last
day.
Every day we interacted with non-members. Everyone we interacted with in China was a
non-member. Even though we were not
set apart missionaries, we had more opportunities to interact with
non-members than most senior missionaries do , who mainly interact and help
and work with members of the Church in their missionary service. We
were told to look for daily miracles during our time in China. We saw and experienced daily miracles, to
many to describe that testified that the fruits of our labors are now few,
but many.
|
I want to tell you about one of those miracles. Everyday miracles
– BYU Subway man
One day we were riding the subway when a man approached us and said Hello. He asked us where we were going. We told him and continued to talk for a few minutes. Then I told him that his English was very good. He replied that he was an English teacher at Shaanxi Normal University. I told him that Shaanxi Normal is right next to where we live and that I was also an English teacher and that I taught as XISU (Xi'an International Studies University). He said he had attended XISU 30 years ago as a student. He said he had an English teacher from America. I said that I was from America. Then he said she was from Utah. What? I told him I was from Utah. Then he said that she was from BYU. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I told him that I was from BYU. Then he went on to tell me that he had gone to Washington DC to study and when he finished he went to Utah to visit "Barbara", his English teacher. She took him to the great Salt Lake and let him dip his finger in the salty water. She took him to the Mormon Temple and she took him to BYU. Then he said, "I will always remember by English Teacher from BYU and from America." It really touched us and I told the story to my students.
Last day of class, Mable,
wrote me a card. “In 30 years, I will
remember that I had an English teacher from BYU.”
Lessons Learned in
China
We are All
of God’s Children
The Chinese
people are no different from us
Different
History
Different
Culture, Language, Food
Personalities
are the same.
We are All of God’s Children
In 2 days we begin writing another new chapter in our book
of life as we leave for Fiji to be ITEP Missionaries. (International Teacher Education Program)
“Teaching is a noble profession that
changes the lives of young people everywhere. (China, Fiji, and America). There
can be no doubt that a great teacher can inspire, educate, counsel, and lead.
The School of Education at Brigham
Young University Hawaii exists to prepare and place outstanding teachers both
internationally and domestically. They desire these teachers to be highly
skilled with sound practice and knowledge at their fingertips. They also desire these teachers to be
ethically and morally strong so that they can be positive role models for their
students.
In
collaboration with Brigham Young University Hawai'i, the International Teacher
Education Program (ITEP) is a partnership created to provide professional
development programs for teachers and administrators in the Pacific Islands who
cannot travel to universities outside of their countries. These programs are
intended to provide them with the knowledge and skills, needed to more
effectively teach and administer.
Couples
with teacher education expertise are called to serve as ITEP Missionaries and
Adjunct Faculty to the School of Education of BYUH. With their professional
backgrounds, they provide needed instruction in the designated course work and
supervision required in each country. The School of Education works with each
international student to identify and meet the licensing requirements for their
perspective country. These students will student teach in a school in
their home country and work to become skilled certified teachers.”
I don’t know who the
people who we will work with are, nor do they know who we are, but I do know
there are people waiting for us whom we will learn to love dearly, and whom
will love us. Just like our experience
in China
Many people asked us, “Why are you going to China?” Why are we going to Fiji.
In China, every class period I asked students questions to
help them practice their English, and I had them ask me questions. One day one of my students one day asked me,
“Why did you come to China?” I looked at
her and answered that I followed my heart.
I came to meet you and teach you.
She cried.
26
For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is
compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant;
wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many
things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28
For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch
as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
I
testify that the power is in each of us to be agents in the Lord’s hands,
without having to be compelled or called to be anxiously engaged in a good
cause, and to do many good things of your own free will, that will bring about
goodness and righteousness in the world, our community, and your families.
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