Peter Chan, professor of instructional technology, and his wife Joyce, instructor of English, spoke at this week's devotional on building a legacy of faith and extended that legacy to build the Lord's kingdom.
After sharing their own story and conversion to the Church, the Chan's explained that one's legacy of faith grows out of one's unique life experiences. That legacy began in pre-mortal life.
"Your legacy of faith did not start here in mortality," said Joyce. "In your pre-mortal life, you had been prepared to build the kingdom of God on the earth."
"In pre-mortal life, you were tested, proven, and found righteous - that is the beginning of your legacy," Peter added. "Whatever trials and challenges that you are facing now, know that you were valiant in your pre-mortal life, so be faithful and do what is right."
With that blessing and preparation comes responsibility, Joyce reminded.
"An essential part of your legacy is to understand that you have an important mission to fulfill in this life," she said. "Of all the approximate 6 billion people living on this planet, you are one of the few who possess the full gospel of Jesus Christ that will bring exaltation to others.
"What have you done with this sacred knowledge?" she challenged. "What are you doing in building the Lord's kingdom on this earth?"
For international students, building the Lord's kingdom means returning home to serve as leaders in the Church and community. Joyce quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley, who gave the following charge to the BYU-Hawaii graduating class of 1969:
"I hope that those of you who come from other lands will return to those lands and use the knowledge you have received to lift the people among whom you labor to a higher plain of economic stature," he said. "I care not where you come from or the land to which you are returning. Your people need your help and your leadership in building toward a new glory, toward the making of a greater people."
Peter added to President Hinckley's words with an excerpt from the IWES (International Work Experience Scholarship) agreement.
"It is expected that students will return to their home countries or regions after graduation qualified to provide leadership roles in an international church, in civic and social affiliations, and within their families. Students who attend graduate school or Optional Practical Training are expected to return immediately thereafter."
The Chans went on to offer counsel on how students can prepare both spiritually and temporally.
They suggested that students take the time to feast on the scriptures and excel in their religion classes. They also encouraged students to take advantage of the abundance of LDS books in the library; attend church and the temple regularly, magnify their callings.
By way of temporal preparation, they suggested that students take advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Peter quoted Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who said:
"It is an eternal law of life that men whether progress or retrogress; they either increase their talents and abilities, or those they have wither and die. No one stands still; there is no such thing as pure neutrality."
All of this equates to not just a physical return, but a return of the heart.