Choi Min-ji / South Korea
While I was doing mission work in the Philippines, we began renovating our new sanctuary. Grateful to God for blessing us with a larger space, we joyfully rolled up our sleeves and joined together on the project.
It was my first time participating in a construction project, and I quickly realized there was much more to do than I had imagined. From wiring and setting up pillars and walls to painting, repairing tiles, and cleaning—there was not a single corner that did not need attention. We visited several hardware stores to gather the necessary materials, measured and cut materials, secured them with nails and screws, and painted tirelessly from early morning until late at night. The hot, humid weather made sweat pour down like rain, and swirling dust often made us cough. Yet as we watched the sanctuary gradually take shape day by day, our hearts overflowed with gratitude to God for allowing us to be part in building His holy temple.
Each of us faithfully carried out our assigned tasks, and whenever something was too difficult to do alone, we joyfully joined forces and helped one another. The construction advanced at a remarkable speed, and when the sanctuary was finally completed, a deep sense of emotion and joy welled up within me. In that moment, I realized that building the spiritual temple must be just like this.
God instructed His people to build His house so that He might take pleasure in it and be honored (Hag 1:8). He has called me to be a worker in constructing the heavenly temple in this age of the Holy Spirit. Though the process can be sometimes be challenging, I believe that by relying on Almighty God and remaining united with our brothers and sisters, the spiritual sanctuary will soon be completed. Remembering the joy I experienced while helping to build the earthly sanctuary, I will continue to participate in the gospel work with a heart full of gratitude until the heavenly temple is fully established.