Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab! Or as most of us say it, Happy New Year!
THE VISION
Our fantastic four Hmong elders have kept busy this week at the celebration of the 2017 Hmong International New Years here in Fresno, California! The festival here is the largest Hmong cultural event anywhere in the world. Heavenly Father's Hmong children have crossed oceans and continents to join in the celebration.
To follow the highly successful proselyting efforts of last year, many prayers have helped this year's Hmong missionaries gain the Lord's direction to go for more! Some fundamental changes have been made, inspired by Doctrine and Covenants 29:10:
"And ye are called to bring to
To reach out to the Hmong-elect, the booth space at the Fresno fairgrounds has become a place for gospel instruction. Short, powerful statements of truth have been the approach that has opened many hearts to accept the message of the restored gospel.
CHANGES
Speaking about this change, Elder Bagley from Rexburg, Idaho, said "I have felt, honestly, that we feel the Spirit more this year than we did last year. We are actually contacting by the Spirit, and that is exciting!"
Elder Cummings from Madison, New Jersey, added, "I would say we are meeting less people, but we are finding more people who have real intent. We have had people come up to the booth with an actual desire to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I do not remember that happening once last year."
Other changes that have been noticed from last year have been a significant increase in part-member families and men who have signed up for lessons. Hopes are high as we look forward to the fruits of this week of proselyting.
THE PRESIDENT'S NEW CLOTHES
This year President and Sister Clark became officially inducted into the Hmong culture. Complete with a traditional-yet-flashy coin vest, President Clark fit right into the crowd with the missionaries, and Sister Clark received a Hmong-inspired charm for her California Fresno Mission bracelet. A special shout-out goes to Elder Biggs from Glenwood Springs, Colorado and his second-language bartering skills for securing the gifts.
A WET ENDING
New Years Day, the last day of the Hmong New Years celebration, was finished off by the baptisms of Lexia, Summer, and Elly Vang. A great start to 2017! We love our Hmong elders!
FOREVER HMONG
2 Nephi 1:6 reads:
"That there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord."
Speaking of this scripture, Elder Gray from West Jordan, Utah says "I know that Heavenly Father has led the Hmong people to America to have the opportunity to hear His gospel. I love them and I know that Heavenly Father loves them. I am grateful to have received the call to become part of their culture. FOREVER HMONG!"
 |
| Left to Right: Elder Cummings, Elder Bagley, Nathan Vang, Summer Vang, Ellie Vang, Jonathan Lee, Lexia Vang, Devyn Vang, Elder Biggs, Elder Gray |
 |
| Left to Right: Elder Gray, Elder Biggs, Elder Cummings, President Clark, Elder Bagley |
 |
| Left to right: Elder Gray, Elder Cummings, Elder Biggs, Elder Bagley, President Clark Dinner at the Mission Home after a great day at the Hmong New Year |
No comments:
Post a Comment