Another boy born in the month of December 1805 ushered in a whole new dispensation of time

As the world over celebrates Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth in the month of December, we as latter-day saints commemorate 200 years since the birth of the boy prophet Joseph Smith on 23rd Dec 1805. I was inspired earlier in the year (refer to my visit to Upstate New York.) to visit the place where it all happened. I am referring to "The First Vision" that was an answer to Joseph Smith's prayer in finding truth among the competing religions during his time in the early part of the 19th century. As a result of the visit, I was only further inspired to live more fully the principles taught by the Savior as restored by Joseph Smith, a name now as had been prophesied, is known throughout the world for good or bad. (See Newsweek Cover Story.) I am grateful to have gained my personal testimony or experience on the existence of God and the reality of his work among us today. Newsweek Cover is seen below -

The highlight of the year for us came as an opportunity to participate in a choir performance invited by our church friends in Singapore. With a cast of actors from the Church members in Singapore, we managed 3 performances over two nights in a public auditorium to portray the life and contribution of Joseph Smith. Below are some photos of the events held at Lee Foundation Theatre on Nov 17 & 18 in the year 2005 :

Above is Geok Lee during a rest time, sitting beside an old friend Evelyn. Being in this performance is reminscence of her younger days in Singapore with the choir.

3 family members are in the front row, myself, Geok Lee's brother Yen Wei and our oldest boy Han. Shuan his brother could only help out to video film the event as at 13, his voice is breaking!

The cast of actors made up of local Church members during a full dress rehearsal. There were problems coordinating with the sound room but all turned out well for the following two nights!

After the final curtain, it was picture time for everyone!

Here is the Chong and Thong family members with leading actors of Joseph and Emma Smith

Video of musical parts of the play.

Postdated event:

4-5th April 2020 

With great anticipation before viewing the General Conference Session on the theme of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, I came across this video of the making of the First Vision movies. I am amazed how we have matured in the information era where so much is shared with great transparency:

My first post in the Spiritlane journal for the year 2020 shares much about the excitement in my heart despite increased troubles evident locally and internationally. The Restoration of the Church has become so relevant not just for me but for all the world I believe.