Saturday, August 28, 2010

A WONDERFUL CONVERSION 35 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Our special friends, Brother and Sister Lin, Meng Yi.

BROTHER LIN'S BAPTISM ON OUR 45TH ANNIVERSARY

Brother and Sister Lin, Meng Yi at his baptism on August 27, 2010. We, along with other missionaries had the wonderful experience of teaching him, an educated man who is very fluent in English. His wife was a member for 35 years and his son and daughter were both returned missionaries and both married other returned missionaries. This was a long-awaited blessing in their lives. Elder Greene was asked to speak at the baptismal service and after being baptized by his son Nelson, Brother Lin was invited to speak and bear his testimony. He spoke at length about his resistance to the gospel for 35 years and what brought about his conversion. He was very humble and his experience of finding peace through the teachings of the Book of Mormon was touching and brought tears to many eyes and even a little laughter at times. Many photos were taken after the baptism and then all enjoyed some wonderful food: beautiful cakes, fruit, and all sorts of treats.

The Lin family with daughter Annie and husband Riley on the left, son Nelson (right) and wife Crystal (kneeling) with Sister Lin's mother and 5 grandchildren. Missionaries-Elder Cocke and Elder Petters in the back with the Greenes.
Many family, friends and ward members attending the baptism
and sharing in the joy of the occasion.

The Lins surprised us with a beautifully decorated anniversary cake!

The picture simply does not do this beautiful cake justice!
What a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary!
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days . . . . . and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" Doctrine and Covenants 18:15




A FAREWELL, A BIRTHDAY AND A TEMPLE VISIT

Our office lunch at a local barbeque restaurant to honor our Recorder, Elder Chuang, who will soon leave to finish his mission proselyting on the streets of Taiwan, inviting people to come unto Christ. Left to right, the Greenes, President and Sister Bishop, Elders Porter, Yang, Chuang, Taylor and Mix.
Sister Greene is recognized on her birthday with some wonderful banana nut bread made by the Mission President's wife, Sister Bishop. It was nice to share with many of the Missionary Sisters and Elders that day.

Missionaries from the Taichung Zone in the courtyard between the
Taipei Temple and the Stake Center and Church Office Buildings.

The Missionaries love attending the Taipei Temple!



BUSH LEAVES & NEW ENGLISH TEACHERS ARRIVE

A going-away dinner party at our apartment for "Bush" who leaves to attend the university in Japan soon. He was taught the gospel by Sister Greene and other missionaries and is still awaiting his baptismal date.
Jana Hogan made a farewell cake for Bush.
Another dinner at our apartment with friends and the 4 new Zhanghua English teachers. Front: Alexandra, Elder and Sister Greene; Back (left to right): Anna Lisa, Elizabeth, Kailey, Karyn, Jana & Kevin Hogan. These teachers will be with us until January 2011.


Another dinner with our 8 new Berhan English teachers: front: Alex, Meg, Whitney, Kristi, Libby. Back: Greenes, Katy, Laura, Erin, Allison, Jana and Kevin Hogan. The twelve teachers are a tremendous blessing to our little Branch here in Taichung as are our good friends the Hogans and Alexandra.