HEART AND SEOUL

"HEART"

Yesterday, June 27th we had the assignment to speak in the Yongson Military Branch. Yongson is the largest military base in Korea, therefore it is also the largest English speaking branch. It reminds us somewhat of our ward in Germany filled with captains, majors and colonels. There were approximately 200 in attendance and we felt very much at home since earlier this year we met with them jointly plus we see so many in the temple.

We were ask to speak on Elder David Bednar's talk in conference on the Lord's tender mercies. The hymns, youth speakers and our own talks were all focused on this theme and it was a very spiritual meeting. We left feeling very good. We highly commend your rereading Elder Bednar's talk and discussing it in one of your Family Home Evenings. Perhaps each one in attendance could recount a tender mercy in their lives, it helps to recognize God's love for each of us.

It has been one week since Father's Day and this father is still reveling in the kind tributes given by all of his children. Thank you again, it served as an excellent prelude in preparing our talks on "tender mercies". Many fond memories were relived and deep gratitude felt.

"SEOUL"

We have frequent association with mission presidents in Korea. A special friends have been found in Pres. Brian and Sis. Shirley Sellers. We infact meet with them on a Monday night basis for family home evening along with other senior couples. They presently live about two minutes away from us and are getting ready to move into a brand new mission presidents home, recently built to replace the present outdated one. We are happy for them to have the new home but it will not be nearly as convenient as it will now be several miles away from us but closer to the mission office.

Last week President Nemrow and his wife came to the temple where two of their children received their endowments. David recently graduated from high school and barely turned eighteen and received his call to Chili. His sister has received a call to Oklahoma City and they have another son who has been out for one year on his mission. That means three of their children serving missions and leaving home close to the same time...how would you mothers like that adjustment?

President Rhyne and his wife from Russia came down last week to renew their visa's. He is the president of the mission in Vladivlostok. His mission covers more square miles than the total area of the United States. He has missionaries as far away as 1200 miles from the mission office. We have told you about the faithfulness of his missionaries when they come to renew their visa's. He and his wife were so pleased when we gave them a report of their conduct and temple worship. Right now they are excited about President Hinckley coming to their far away corner of the world on his thirteen city tour thru Korea, Russia and ending up in Africa the end of July.

Mission Presidents surely have to be among the most challenged and dedicated leaders in the church.