To be a Pioneer

 February 19, 2024

 

Dear Family and friends, 

 

We go to church at different branch every week. There are 11 branches. They vary in size quite a bit and in strength. We have seen progress in the sacrament meetings being more focused on Christ and talks using more scriptures and quotes. We are also hearing about some branches putting together their “share the gospel plan” as suggested in the handbook and after we have done training about it. We have branches starting to hold coordination councils as well. They are struggling to see the importance of having a branch council weekly. It has been something President Hughes has asked them to do for 2 years. Having said that we are sooo grateful for our Branch presidents and District presidents. We are grateful new members accept callings. They have no idea what they are supposed to do and some really want to learn and others just quit or move branches to get out of callings They have never had to sacrifice or serve like this ever before. They have never gone to primary but we ask them to lead it and teach it. It is a steep learning curve. Working with pioneers is inspiring to see their faith and the way they change their lives. It is very difficult because they have no mentors to help them, they are all pioneers. We keep saying we have more sympathy for Joseph Smith now. He had visions of what the church would be like He knew the future of the church but he struggled with friends turning against him, members falling away because it was hard, they got offended, and other reasons. Yet the church continued to make progress. Pioneers made to the west and established the church. We know the church will continue to grow in Vietnam, despite some of the growing pains. They are trying. They have faith. They love the Book of Mormon I have always loved and admired the early pioneers, living here has given me a whole new appreciation for what it takes to join a new religion and choose to do things differently than most of your friends and family. That takes so much strength and courage. I get to hug and tell them I love them and I am so proud of them. I get to tell them their Father in Heaven is so happy about the good choices they are making. The Primary Song “To be a pioneer” Describes what we are seeing so well: 

 

You don’t have to push a handcart,

 

Leave your fam’ly dear,

 

Or walk a thousand miles or more

 

To be a pioneer!

 

You do need to have great courage,

 

Faith to conquer fear,

 

And work with might for a cause that’s right

 

To be a pioneer!

 

Miracle this week: We went to church in the Cau Gaiy branch. There were a lot of new friends there. It was exciting to see. As the meeting went on more trickled in. There was an aunt and her nephew there, a 10 year old primary boy who’s dad drops him off each week , Elder Argyle and Elder Thanh Le wrote: “Big miracle in Cầu Giấy today! We recently felt prompted by the spirit and our mission goals to help a youth start preparing for a mission. This led us to start working with his dad who isn't a member. We had a lesson with him scheduled for after church today. He ended up bringing his dad, his siblings, and his nieces and nephews to church. He brought 8+ people to church! God has prepared families for us!” It was amazing to see them all trickling in with big smiles on their faces. They were so happy to be there. Part of their extended family is already members. It would be amazing if this extended family continues to join the church. What blessing that will be to them and the Branch. God is helping this work. We have been praying and trying to find families. What a blessing. 

We had a mission wide Tet activity. We gathered as districts and took pictures then we gathered as zones and had FHE over zoom, ate dinner and had an activity. It was fun. The Locals really appreciated it. This holiday means a lot to them. It is a time they get homesick and long for home like we do at Christmas. I am glad we gathered and celebrated. It was also fun to dress in our Ao Dai’s for pictures. 

Pray for our pioneers in Vietnam that they can have the courage to keep coming to church and stay strong in the gospel when their family and friends do not believe like them. We love you! Count your blessings. Somebody sacrificed a lot so you could be a member of the true church of Jesus Christ on earth today. 

Love you, 

Sister Hughes






















 

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