10/27/2026
“I grew up in a traditional Chinese home where my family worshipped by honoring our ancestors with incense. I participated because it was part of our culture, but I never felt truly connected to it. Even being young, I knew there was a God watching over me, but I didn’t know who He was.
"I was 17 when I first met with the missionaries, and it wasn’t long after that when a member family invited me to a three-day youth conference. While I was there, I realized that the God I had always believed in but never truly known was real.
“I told my family I wanted to join the church and someday serve a mission. They didn’t really understand at first, and it was difficult for all of us. But with God’s help and support, I was able to be baptized, and a few years later serve a mission in Taipei. The plan of salvation became the doctrine that was the foundation of my testimony. Knowing I can have an eternal family and return to my Heavenly Father again gives me peace and purpose.
“My faith has grown through my personal challenges as well. Not too long ago, there was a period where despite praying, reading scriptures, and going to the temple, I felt alone and couldn’t feel happiness. A friend that had carried the same struggles shared her experiences with me and how doing the small, simple things helped her over time. Her story was encouraging to me. I knelt and prayed to God, ‘I feel broken. I don’t know how to fix myself.’ As I prayed, I thought of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane and realized in a deeper way that He truly understands every pain we face. Feeling His love helped me slowly find peace again.
“I’ve learned that having faith in God and in ourselves is what carries us. God believes in us even when we don’t always believe in ourselves. I try to show that same love to those around me by understanding them and being a peacemaker, just as He would. I know Heavenly Father knows us personally. I know Jesus Christ walks with us through every trial and I’m grateful every day for the chance to follow Him.” —Shilin
