The richest blessings come from serving a mission! Our only native Japanese missionary joined the Church when he was twelve years old, through the friendship and example of the Stevenson family. His father had served a mission in France, his mother was not a member. His younger brother was baptized as well. When one of his best friends was later called to serve in the Taiwan Taichung mission, he never dreamed he would serve here too! But when his call came, he too would serve on this beautiful island. Blessings already were coming to pass: his first convert baptism was his mother, just prior to leaving on his mission! Today, the dream of his eternal family came true. His parents and younger brother flew in from Japan and arrived at the Taipei Temple to be sealed for time and all eternity!
On the way to Taipei, our Japanese elder and his companion found opportunity to talk to everyone:
It was a beautiful and sunny day:)
Embracing his parents, who have missed him dearly this past year:
And younger brother:
Elder Stevenson performed the sealing for their very close friends:
The Stevensons were gracious to take photos with everyone coming to the temple to serve the Lord, including one of our returned missionaries:
And a missionary from the southernmost area in our mission, serving in Taipei:
I remember when this sister was waiting to start her service in the Taipei mission. She was recently released and felt inspired to come to the temple today. My how time flies!
We can see the love of the Lord in everything around us!
Celebrating an eternal family!
A brief tour of Chiang Kai Shek Memorial:
The dome above the memorial hall:
Saying goodbye until next August:
Another hug:
Or two! We hope his younger brother will have a chance to serve a mission in Taiwan!
https://www.lds.org/youth/video/leave-the-party?lang=eng
What a heart warming and faith-inspiring story!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I'm getting a little teary - this is what the gospel is all about.
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