September 27 – 30, 2017
We were so blessed to be able to travel to the Ancient City of Hue for a Senior Conference with President and Sister Hassell. We were spiritually fed while being able to visit this beautiful city that is rich in architecture, ceremony, tradition and history.
Upon checking into the lovely Eldora Hotel, we walked down to the Perfume River for a dragon boat ride to see the oldest pagoda in Hu; the tower on these grounds is the official symbol of the city. After a delicious dinner, we walked along the river, visiting the night market and catching the atmosphere of this special city. Our hotel was perfect and we had a wonderful night’s sleep.
President Hassell admonished us to “Reach Out to the Savior”...“learn to trust yourself a little less and the Lord a little more”... "Take some risk and say what is in your heart'... A successful mission is manifested in how we live and honor gospel principles, long after the missionary badge is retired. We are not in Vietnam by chance. It is important to trust that the Lord will put in our paths those who will help the gospel roll forth.
There is a culture in Vietnam of love and respect for family, education, and other people. This is a youthful population, it has a higher proportion of youth than any other country in the world. The time is right for the Gospel to be brought to the Vietnamese people and we have a unique opportunity in history to be part of it.
All the scriptures are now translated in Vietnamese and so is Preach My Gospel. We come as ambassadors of the Lord we bring the powerful strength of the priesthood. As the gospel grows it makes the burdens of the people lighter. We were told to appreciate the strength of the members and do all we can to empower them. President then encouraged us to develop strong branches within the areas we are assigned. We know what church organization looks like, the people need our help to grow the branches. We are an example - That is why we are called to serve the people of Vietnam now.
“Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. D&C 123:17
The city of Hue was where the Kings lived and died and as a result many people flocked here to live and be buried close to their mighty rulers. This is where people felt loved and protected. The Lord wants us to be close to him also, so that he can direct us in truths. He needs for his kingdom to fill the earth, and He is in the process of gathering us. The time for His return is growing nigh.
We took a day to explore the city of Hue. We visited the Citadel and the Imperial City. This city was seriously damaged in the 1968 Tet Offensive, however, a lot of it has been restored. Golden dragons adorn buildings; they are the emblem of the Nguyen Dynasty. We visited several of the tombs of the kings with their glory and grandeur. Ornate building with fine carvings and inlaid mosaic tile and mother of pearl. Gardens and pools of lily and lotus gave an air of peacefulness to the Imperial City. It was fun for us to gather and learn of the culture of the people we are here to serve.
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| Hike with our friends to the bell of the last king of Vietnam Left to right: Michael Van Wagenen, Vicki and Barry MacDonald, Doug and Jan Braithwaite, Sharon and Gerald Thomason, President Lewis Hassall (upper right, behind Sharon), Deborah Coffee, Greg Coffee and our translator, Nhi (lower, front right) |
