From improving their relationship with God to reaching outward to serve, students from six different continents shared the gifts they prepare to give to Heavenly Father this upcoming Father’s Day.
Memorizing “The Living Christ”
Leata Wilson, a junior from New Zealand majoring in exercise and sport science and biomedical science, said she plans to recite “The Living Christ” by heart. “Imagine you are having a hard day and those sentences you memorized automatically brighten your day,” she said cheerfully. “My goal is to show my appreciation to all the sacrifices Heavenly Father and Jesus made for us.”
Serving others as a family
As the father of his 15-month-old daughter, Nature Malatji, a freshman from South Africa majoring in computer science, said it will be a great gift to Heavenly Father to serve Him as a family of three instead of just an individual.
He explained back home he did gardening service and he is working on making a schedule so his family can do service at the Temple View Learning Gardens.
Increasing kind actions
Another gift suggested was to increase the numbers of kind actions done. Terrell Wu, a freshman from Malaysia majoring in marketing, said service can simply be an act of kindness. “I will serve more than before. If I do five good deeds a week, I will do 10 this coming Father's Day. We can always uplift someone who is lost and unhappy.”
Studying the scriptures in depth
Madison Morton, a freshman from Idaho studying peacebuilding, said others should turn inward to improve their relationship with Heavenly Father by studying the scriptures. “It is important to show Heavenly Father the willingness to rely on Him more by valuing His words.”
She then shared an experience on her mission where she was so worried about being a senior companion. Although she said she was nervous, the scripture in the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 3:7, gave her comfort in knowing Nephi was led by the spirit not knowing beforehand things he should do. “I was overwhelmed with feelings Heavenly Father was looking after me. He was helping me. Everything will be okay because I have the spirit.”
Rahel Meyer, a freshman from Germany majoring in communications, shared how effective scripture study has helped her get to know God on a deeper level. “My special way to study is focusing on one topic and then looking for references from the Bible, Book of Mormon and General Conference. It is good to take information from all resources.”
Fasting and prayer
Nadia Pinto, a freshman from Brazil majoring in TESOL education, said she wants to focus on others instead of herself this year and fasting allows her to do that. “I remembered on my mission my companion and I fasted to find a family to serve. Then we randomly knocked on this arguing couple’s door that later thanked us for bringing the light into their lives.”
Gifts for their earthly fathers
Wilson said she is going to learn a song on the ukulele and perform it for her dad during a video call. “My dad always played to us growing up, but he has never picked up this instrument since his ukulele is broke. It is a great present to connect our memories.”
Tiffany Christensen, a sophomore from Utah majoring in biochemistry and biomedical science, said she is planning to get a view master for her dad. She said a view master is an old 90s toy that has a roll of pictures you can flick through.
“My dad got a similar camera for me on my birthday when I was a kid. I am going to put many pictures of us together inside.”
Sunny Wong, a junior from Malaysia majoring in business management, said his dad is a big fan of hats because the weather in Malaysia is hot and sunny, so he gave his father a red Polynesian Cultural Center hat.
“I love how PCC emphasizes a lot about family,” Wong said. “Red is also his favorite color... My dad didn’t express his feeling in words, but my mom told me secretly that he was really happy.”
Pinto said her dad loves chocolate so it is a must-have present every year.
Meyer said that in the German culture, Father's Day is traditionally celebrated way by going on a family picnic. “Being a family of seven, we always make dad a huge breakfast.”
Morton said every time she sees a tie, she thinks of her dad because he collects ties. She added she plans to give her dad a tie that resembles a frog after you make the knot for the tie.
Malatji said that he decided to serve his mission on a Father’s Day, which is a gift for all the fathers that been a big part of his life.
Writer: Taffie Kwok