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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

The Gospel of Jesus Christ Blesses Lives

March 27, 2017

INTIATING NEW PROJECTS 
Our mission is going wonderfully. There are 14 projects, we have either inherited or have initiated. There is something to do on these projects every day, as we are the link between LDS Charities funding and the projects themselves, in the various provinces. Our work brings us in contact with the highest levels of the government, and keeps the work the church is doing quite visible here. The government is very appreciative of what is taking place, as Vietnam continues to rise out of obscurity, economically.

We coordinate closely with our mission president, President Lewis Hassell, as well as another senior couple, who also work in the mission office. A new senior couple arrived last week, to do missionary support. Nine new Sister and Elder missionaries also arrived this week, bringing the total number of missionaries in Vietnam to somewhere in the thirties, a lot for a brand new mission to coordinate, pair up, find new housing, and put to work. Most of them have had nine weeks in the MTC to become somewhat fluent in what is a very difficult tonal language. 

We are becoming quite close to a Vietnamese family that lives on the 17th floor of our high rise. They have been over, playing games with us and have had us over for dinner. They are coming to dinner at our place, this Tuesday. We hope to introduce them to the gospel, when we feel the time is right. Their ten-year old daughter is often in our apartment, as soon as school is out each day, and loves being Sharon's little helper.
Our apartment has been the setting for several missionary discussions, this week. It really adds a spiritual dimension to what we are doing, and is a wonderful opportunity to be able to share our testimonies.


Last Saturday we had a sort of mini-General Conference with three General Authorities visiting our branch; Elder Garrit Gong, one of the seven Presidents of the Seventy; Bishop Dean Davies, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric; and President Randy Funk, President of the Asia Area and member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. It was wonderful to have these brethren and their wives to associate so closely with.
THE OLD QUARTER OF HANOI
On our preparation day, we take the opportunity to see new sights in Hanoi. Two weeks ago, we went to the Temple of Literature, in the old part of Hanoi. This temple, founded in 1070, is dedicated to Confucius, and honors the scholars of Vietnam. There are paths leading to the courtyard, where stelae (monuments) are positioned on each side of the courtyard. They are, considered to be, the most precious artifacts in the temple. The stone, weather worn monuments, have the names of the scholars and sits on the back of a stone tortoise. The day we visited, there were many scholars from surrounding schools that were having their graduating class pictures taken. Through the imposing gateway, is a plaque that requests that visitors dismount their horses, before entering. It is fun to see places like this temple. It helps us understand the culture and heritage of the people here.


Close by, are the streets of the Old Quarter (the center of the old Hanoi city). They are filled with lots of people and shops that sell trinkets, live chickens, frogs & squid, traditional food (like Pho and Bun Cha), art work, and of course souvenirs. The living conditions seem primitive, with alley ways that meander forever, that you could get lost in. Rat's nests, of overhead electrical wire, exist down every alley way, providing electricity and connecting every body's Internet. It's strange that electricity and computers are found in such humble circumstances. The houses are tall and skinny, generally four stories, and have a room on each floor with a little business out front on the sidewalk on the level of the street.


We were given the assignment of home teaching a member sister who lives in the Old Quarter of the city. Because this sister doesn't speak English, we have visited her with the missionaries. She is pregnant, and will deliver in May. She has a 12-year-old daughter that lives with her in the top room of a house. The bed occupies most of the room. Her husband is living outside of the city because that is where he has found employment; it is difficult for him to see his family very often. With the help of the missionaries, Gerald was able to give the woman a blessing. She was very appreciative because she is struggling with this pregnancy, both, physically and mentally. Her daughter is receiving the missionary discussions and has accepted an April baptism, Yay! This sweet daughter helps her mother, who has to stay in bed in the small cramped room most of the day.  The mother is grateful for the Gospel, and it is nice to feel the spirit during our visits. The Lord's hand stretches out to the meek and the humble.  We are so glad we are missionaries in Vietnam right now.

OUR VISITOR, NHI
This last week, we had a house guest -- a young women from Hanoi that is a member of our Church. She has been in an abusive situation and needed a place to stay. She had lost her ID papers and needed some help in contacting her family. It was interesting communicating with her, because she spoke only a little English and we spoke very little Vietnamese (missionaries and Google Translate were a big help). The President of our branch finally got in contact with some members in Saigon, who thought they could help her find her father. She got on a bus Friday evening, for the 40-hour bus trip to Saigon. Her few days with us was an emotional experience; even though we couldn’t talk to each other very well, our spirits have bonded with hers. She joined with us for prayers, scripture time, meals, as well as some outings. By the time she left, we felt like we were saying goodbye to one of our own children. We promised to stay in contact. I am hopeful that she will find her way to a better, more fulfilling, and happy life.


We have also had a new group of missionaries come this last week. What a delightful group of Elders and Sisters. I think our missionaries are the “cream of the crop” here. This brings the total missionaries in Vietnam to about 35.  There is a lot of work to be done and the Church is definitely growing. We are busy, and so happy to be doing this work!

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