Long Bien, The Growing of a Branch

It has been two months since our little branch was started. We have been dedicated in working to build it by helping the missionaries and accepting new callings. We are delighted to see its growth.

Bach's Baptism

Bach is a 17 year old high school student that the missionaries met on the bus one day, and then invited him to come to our English class. It was in our class that Bach was touched by the spiritual message we shared at the end of the lesson. Since then, several times, the missionaries have invited us to go with them to teach him in his home, and there, we have been able to also get to know his wonderful mother, father and little brother. Bach knew early on that he wanted to be baptized -- it is amazing how the spirit touches the heart so quickly. He would have been baptized sooner, but his mother and father were hesitant about giving their permission, since he is so young. They are fearful that he won’t pay as much attention to his schooling, and they want to encourage his hopes of becoming a doctor someday. Through fasting and prayer, he asked his parents, yet again, for permission to be baptized. He bore his testimony to them, and they said yes! His whole family was there to witness the unbelievable joy that Bach experienced when he went into the baptismal waters. After his baptism, there were tears of happiness when Bach got up to bear his testimony. He told his parents that he loves them and that the Lord loves them too. In his testimony, he promised his parents that he will work hard at his studies and make them and the Lord proud of his efforts.

Bach's baptism day

Ngoc's Baptism

Ngoc is a 27 year old woman who works at the grocery store in the building where the missionaries live. Her conversion is a testiment that we all need to have courage to talk to everyone we meet and invite them to learn more about the gospel. We’ve had the opportunity to get to know her, as she has been coming to our English class also. Approximately two years ago, Ngoc and her husband had only been married for about four months, when she lost him in an accident. This loss has left a real void in her life ever since. She takes solice in and loves that the gospel of Jesus Christ is so family centered; and that through the great plan of salvation, families are able to continue their relationships with one another, after this life. Since her baptism, Ngoc feels so much peace in her life, which shows in her face and in her actions. She wants so much to be of service to those around her. She has such a capacity to love and serve those who are less fortunate than her. We are excited about her membership and involving her in the building of our branch.

Ngoc's baptism day

We are responsible for serving in several capacities here in Hanoi.  We teach English classes every week at the Long Bien building. On Sundays we speak, teach classes and fellowship investigators. Sharon was called to the Women’s Organization, which includes Relief Society, Young Women and Primary. She teaches a small primary class (mostly children of investigators) every Sunday, and introduces the students to primary music. Thank goodness for the resources our iPad offers. The language is a barrier at times, however, the children pick up English quickly. Gerald is the financial clerk and assists the branch president in whatever organizational help they need for the week. There are not enough people to fill all the organizations yet, but this is changing, one baptism at a time. It is about an hour ride across Hanoi, so we find ourselves pondering, preparing lessons, and praying a lot in taxis. We have also been asked to help with Young Single Adults, and plan to start a parenting class in the fall. We also find time to give our LDSC assignments, currently with 17 projects as our top priority. We are very busy and loving it. We have been here in Hanoi for 6 months now, and the time is flying.

This week, we had the Long Bien missionaries over to eat with us. When they are in our home, they are very good about leaving us with a spiritual message. The message they gave this week was about the loaves and fishes in the New Testament. When we are in the service of the Lord, our efforts, time and resources are multiplied, and we have more than we ever thought we had and could give. This is certainly true for us. The Gospel is true and it brings so much joy to those who embrace it. We see this time and time again, here in Vietnam.