Capping a nine-day ministry
in the Philippines,
Elder Neil L. Andersen enjoyed
spending the weekend with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
The choir has arrived in Manila
as part of their world tour, a first in this Southeast Asia country. Having the choir here in the
Philippines was almost as a new chapter for the Church. There's tens of thousands who will come
with the members to see the choir.
The choir's kick off concert
was attended by leaders in the business community.
It was breathtaking, and everyone
who was in there, who were the dignitaries and the
well-known here in the Philippines, they were absolutely enthralled
by the experience.
On the eve of
Elder Andersen’s departure,
The choir performed at the University
of Santo Tomas with attendees from the university, along with friends from
various beliefs and faith traditions. The interfaith event featured
a variety of sacred music.
The choir brings to the Church a clarity of our faith in Jesus Christ.
When they sing about Jesus Christ, no one in their right mind could say,
“These people don’t believe
in Jesus Christ.” They believe in Him totally and fully.
That is very important.
It’s such an honor to meet you.
Among the many guests was the
Archbishop of Manila.
It’s very amazing how music can utterly make us feel closer to one
another, when actually we should
be so because we are all our
brothers and sisters.
Music lets us know we have so much more in common than we have that
divides us. Believers know that. Love for others is ultimately love
for God and service to Him.
In Him, and for Him, people of
faith are becoming one.
We had four beautiful students—a muslim,
a Buddhist, a Catholic, and a Latter-day Saint who gave prayers.
The Savior has been my anchor.
Steadying me through life’s tumultuous
waves. It’s more than a ritual;
it’s a profound connection.
The music itself expresses
the hope that we need in order
to survive in this world. We can stay hopeful that our world will
become better. We can work harmoniously.
These are a believing people. They're
gracious. They're kind.
I can't finish without
saying we never leave the Philippines without
loving them even more.
