HEART AND SEOUL July 24-31, 2005

"HEART"

You will remember a few weeks ago we told you about a young Chinese girl, Liu Chian Ying and whose American name is Joanna, that began going to church with us. She was brought to our friendship by a young American student by the name of Blaine Gruenwald who attends a University in Shanghai where he is studying International Law. On the way to church your father ask Joanna if she were a Christian. She replied that she was not and that she had no religion. She so much enjoyed her first experience at the English branch that she has continued to attend. Joanna has acquired a core of single adult friends who have befriended her, among whom is Jenny Simkins whose conversion story we will send to you sometime later. From a young adult who admitted to not believing in God to one who was baptized Friday night, we have seen how the Holy Ghost can change a persons life.
We, along with the other temple missionaries and especially her friend Blaine have become quite well acquainted. The baptism was held in the Korean chapel adjacent to the temple. She ask Blaine to baptize her and your father to confirm her a member of the church.
Among her friends was Jenny Simkins who received her endowment this past week after taking our Temple Preparation class. Another friend, Nancy Gao, is also Chinese and is a convert of nine months. Both of these friends were speakers at the baptism and gave outstanding talks. It continues to amaze us how the Lord draws people out of Chine, exposes them to the gospel and allows them to return to prepare a seed bed for the introduction of the gospel to China.
Joanna moved up her baptismal date one week so that she could be a member when the prophet visited Korea this weekend.
"SEOUL"

After many long months and anticipation the celebration of the Anniversary of the dedication of Korea for teaching the gospel and 200th birthday of the prophet Joseph Smith took place last night. It was held in the Olympic Park in one of the many huge arena-like buildings, built by Korea for the 1988 Olympics. The building used for the gymnastic's competition with a seating compacity of about 15 thousand was used for this cultural event.
One of the highlights of the evening was the expected attendance of President Hinckley but just before the event it was learned his son who was flying here with him, had an accident that required emergency treatment on his eye and they had to return to Anchorage, Alaska. It was such a disappointment to everyone but it did not effect the quality of the program that was presented.
Truly your parents can say that no finer quality cultural event could be held anywhere in the church than was presented last night. Participants were from every age in the church and they presented traditional Korean dance and musical numbers in delightful and colorful costumes that riveled our own winter Olympic's Opening Ceremony. They had a choir and an orchestra that was as large or larger than the Tabernacle Choir. The exhibition hall was filled and we sat among the honored missionaries returning for their reunions. You will likely read about this event in the upcoming Church News.
Many of the hundreds of missionaries who served in Korea came to the temple this past week. This morning we attended in this same building a Countryside Conference presided over by President Hinckley, who arriving late came with his spry, upbeat , lovable manner. It was obvious how the Koreans love him and how he loves the Koreans. What an outstanding week for your parents.