I was just a small cog in the machine it took to make advance plans and set up visits with Key Opinion Leaders, it was gratifying to see that the recent southeast Asia tour to Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand by Sister Spannaus of the Young Women’s General Presidency was a real success. https://news-hk.churchofjesuschrist.org/eng/article/church-officer-and-interfaith-leaders-build-bridges-of-cooperation-and-religious-harmony. Our Area President Elder Tai and his wife accompanied her, as did the amazing Annie Wong, Asia Area Communications Director, with whom I work closely. ( see pictures). Sister Spannaus met with major faith and government leaders, all which will bring awareness of who we are and what we do in countries where Christians are a real minority. It’s exciting to know that many doors will open as a result of these new and strengthened relationships.
Everyone we’ve met here has a different back story of how and why they ended up on their mission in Hong Kong. But probably the one that has most moved me is one we heard from newest senior missionary couple. After serving a mission to Japan, and following college, he married and had a nice family. All was well as worked for major Wall Street banks and financial giants in Tokyo all over Southeast Asia for many years, climbing fast and far up the corporate ladder. He started a university with campuses in several Asian countries, and he acquired multiple cars, homes, boats and toys. Everything he touched turned to gold.
A few years ago, he received a strong impression that he needed to drive about 12 hours to Adam-Andi-Ahmen, in rural northwest Missouri, which is a sacred place to members of our church. Because his father had been Independence, Missouri Mission President when he was in high school there, he was very familiar with the site. He immediately hopped in his car and drive straight there by himself without stopping, other than for gas. On his arrival, he said a prayer and spent a good deal of time wandering in the peaceful stillness of the big valley, all alone, and waiting for the message he was sure he would receive. Eventually, he heard the words, “You have enough. I need you.” Not knowing what that meant, he eventually decided to quit his many substantial business interests, retire and spend the rest of his life in service to God. His wife at the time was not supportive of the idea and they eventually divorced. But he found a wonderful new companion who was on the same page, they married and made themselves available for missionary work. They first spent three years in Japan, went home for six months to visit their many children and grandchildren, and are now here for a new term as he serves as executive secretary for the Area Presidency. When they are through here, they plan to go back to rekindle relationships and then to head out once again on another mission. There are many reasons why people think they cannot go missions, including common ones like kids, grandkids, caring for elderly or needy family, pets, health, finances, and the list goes on. These two wonderful examples just tossed everything aside to be of service in any way for which they were asked. The faith, sacrifice and love for Jesus Christ of this new couple are so impressive and inspiring to me!
Now, closer to home, I can share that my diligent, hard-working and responsible husband, who puts in more than full time hours, goes to the office on Saturdays and holidays, and even brings home papers from the office to read at night after a quick break for dinner, has been sustained today as new Island Branch President, which will add to his already immense burden. Yet he accepted the call without hesitation, for the Lord has need of him. In the priesthood blessing he just received, he was told he had been prepared with various gifts and talents to be able to fulfill this important assignment. Through revelation, he will know how to lead and serve and will be strengthened beyond his normal capacity to bear the new responsibilities that have been placed on his shoulders. He was also promised to feel the peace of Jesus Christ. We know we are blessed in so many ways, and evidently, we too, have enough. We will both learn a lot. He is willing and I will do my best to support him. It will truly all work out.
While Tom toiled away yesterday in the quiet hours of a Saturday office, I went back with my outing companion Marilyn for our second and final visit to Disneyland Hong Kong. We explored the newly opened Frozen land (the only one in the entire Disney empire) where we were blown away by the beauty and creativity of the “Let it Go” boat ride (think Pirates of the Caribbean in ice)
and sat mesmerized by the jaw-dropping 25-foot-high float moving set pieces with a giraffe, Pride Rock with Simba towering overhead, elephant and home of Pumba and Timon for a non-stop colorfully costumed and choreographed Festival of the Lion King show. I swear it was better than the Broadway version!
We can’t resist the old favorites like Small World,
the Jungle Cruise
or just relaxing and giving our feet a break riding on the old-fashioned train that circles the site. But perhaps the most fun part of wandering around Disneyland is seeing how much fun the locals are having, whether they are adults dressed up in Disney ears/headbands with matching bags
Or young girls, adorned as their favorite princesses.
It was a magical day at the Happiest Place on earth, though nothing can match the happiness that comes from having a relationship with our Savior . What brings you happiness?
We love and miss and think of and pray for you often.
Janeen and Tom in Hong Kong
Janeen, That is such good news. it will be December very quickly. All of us miss you terribly. Part of it a little jealous(tho not in a bad way) but Jerry's health would never stand in a foreign country.
I'd so glad to live a Mission through you. Love you so much... Marie
I will never tire of reading your blogs. they are so interesting and full of promise and hope.
We pray for you as well.
Marie & Jerry