Taichung City has two LDS stakes, but only one new dedicated Stake Center. The north Taichung Stake meets in a chapel built in a large office building on one of the upper floors. The church in Taichung is growing rapidly. On Saturday, July 30th, the Stake celebrated a ground breaking for the construction a new stake center. The photos attached to this email give you some idea of how beautiful this morning event was. Here is a little background information:
The property is a large open asphalt lot which has been used as a “night market” several evenings a week. Immediately adjacent to the site are large apartment buildings. There are also some retail businesses on the street.
The stake and area leadership did an outstanding job in preparing the event which came across very professional and highly organized. It was all in Chinese, so we picked up many of the words, but not all the detail. However, the audience was very much into the brief talks and music. We have been overwhelmed with the outstanding priesthood and auxiliary leadership in the church here in Taiwan. Equal to what we experience in the States.
There were seven to ten city dignitaries who attended and spoke briefly to the audience. A female city leader spoke very positively about the LDS population in her city. She commented how all the LDS people she knows are happy and smile all the time. (We hear this comment regularly from people we talk with about how we are happy people.) What a nice testimony of what the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do for people.
I am sure you will enjoy the photo of Sister Liston talking to a little boy who was there with his family. Somehow she always manages to find a child to share the love she has for all children---especially our grandchildren. Chinese children are absolutely beautiful. And this little boy is no exception. As I look at the photo, I can see this boy speaking to his ward in 17 years as he leaves to serve a mission. I think it was thoughts like this that made our Saturday so special. We felt very much a part of the growth of the Church in this beautiful country with loving, good people.
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| Ground breaking audience |
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| Stake choir |
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| The ground breaking |
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| A picture with Pres. and Sis. Bishop |
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| Sis. Liston talking to a little boy who came |
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| Pres. and Sis. Bishop |
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| Taichung Dignitaries |
I love to see your posts and hear about the events in Taiwan. I know you both are a tremendous blessing to my parents and I am so thankful for your willingness to serve. Melissa (Bishop) McConkie :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat opportunity for you guys to be there for that wonderful event. Can you please bring that little boy home with you so he can be a part of our family. What a little doll! Keep up the good work.
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