Where Are They Now? ---> Zach Metcalfe

My name is Zachary Metcalfe and I was a missionary in the branch, on and off, from May 2005-May 2007. My Mission President was William Price and my companions while serving in the branch included Dylan Landeen, Kyle Melling, Joseph Heaton, Ben Li, and Gnailam (Aaron) Wong.


One of the most memorable experiences with the branch was the first September in the mission when we reenacted the Legend of Hou Yi and Chang E. I dressed up as a big rabbit, using fairy wings for my bunny ears and my companion, Elder Landeen, was Chang E. When Elder Landeen was dancing around, he slipped on something and fell, which made me laugh, though I hoped he didn't hurt himself.
Another memorable experience with the branch was the time we had a large branch activity up near Sugarloaf Mountain. I remember it being a lot of fun and I really enjoyed spending time with the members on a less formal activity than church services.


Currently I'm finishing up my last year of university, getting my Bachelor's of Arts in English and Mandarin-Chinese Education. I'm student teaching in Las Vegas, Nevada and I love it. I'm not married yet.

Read More

Wedding and Reception for James & Helen Mu

After many years of waiting and searching, our beloved Sister Helen He has found her true love, and she married him in the right place.  Amidst a beautiful backdrop of a sunny autumn morning, the newlyweds looked relaxed and happy in front of the temple mingling and posing for photos with the dozen friends.  An hour earlier, she and James Mu were married and sealed in the Washington DC Temple.  In the afternoon, the new couple joined the Mandarin endowment session.  As a finale to the celebration of their wedding, friend and family gathered in the Kentlands Chapel cultural hall to honor the newly married bride and groom.  Each family brought a delicious dish to share.  Brother Andrew Shen acted as emcee for the evening.  A special choir sang Charity for James and Helen.  Many people paid tribute to the new couple, including Benjamin Tsai, Ron Harrison, Sid Foulger, Li-Fang Tsai, Xiaoyun Li, and Su Tan.  James and Helen sang Love One Another before cutting the cake.  As an outpouring of love and support, we were so excited and honored to witness this day and special event.  Congratulations to the James and Helen on their new life together!

Read More

Elder Tsai Returns Home

On October 5, Elder Jonathan Tsai returned home after serving two years in the Australia Melbourne Chinese Speaking Mission. His family were so excited to meet him that they canceled all of their prior engagements that night, so that they could pick him up at the airport. Dinner was happily eaten in the car on the way to the home of President Harrison, where Elder Tsai was finally released by the same person who set him apart him as a full-time missionary two years ago. Although it was a difficult transition to accept for the diligent missionary, all good things must come to an end. On the other hand, after one door is closed, God opens another door. The new prospects are ahead for Elder Tsai.

The following Sunday, Elder Tsai reported on his mission to the stake council in front of the stake presidency. That afternoon, after church services, a branch homecoming fireside was held in his honor. At 4pm, members came into the cultural hall, enjoyed some crackers and cheese, talked with Elder Tsai, and enjoyed a slideshow of photos from Elder Tsai's missionary experience. Our branch mission leader, Peng Lin, conducted the missionary fireside. After Elder Tsai's parents said a few words, President Shen made some remarks and presented Elder Tsai with a plaque for his mission. Then Elder Tsai shared thoughts about his mission with everyone. After a closing hymn and prayer, the fireside was adjourned. The branch provided a beautiful cake to celebrate the return of Elder Tsai.

Looking at Elder Tsai, one would not notice anything different from before. In fact, he kept wearing the same missionary outfit for a few days. His demeanor and disposition are about the same as before. His speech and actions appear to the same Jonathan before his mission. But a closer inspection will reveal that Elder Tsai indeed has changed on the inside where it really counts. His knowledge of the gospel and understanding of life and other people have improved significantly. Elder Tsai's return resembles that of the sons of Mosiah. "What added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God." (Alma 17:2-3)

Well done, and welcome come back, Jonathan!

Read More

Newsletter 2011 October

Read More

Where Are They Now? ---> Jack Shirts

My name is Jack Shirts. I was a missionary serving in the Montgomery Chinese Branch from 2000 to 2002. My companions were Elders Wertz, Chiu, Hsieh, Lin, Li, & Muir. My mission presidents were Gary Farnes and Michael Madsen.

Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about the people I met, served with, and love in the Montgomery Branch. I could go on and on, but some of the most memorable things include:

• Sister Tung & Sister Hsueh's faithful service at the weekly English classes.
• The kindness of so many members inviting missionaries to their homes for meals and fellowship.
• Meeting weekly with Brother and Sister Foulger to discuss the progress of investigators.
• Most of all, watching wonderful people accept the light of the gospel: Bernard and Mary Shiu, Du Jiang and Zheng Qing, Chen Peifang, Linda Fu, and many more.

My wife Natalie and I have two boys: Jackson (3 years) and Clayton (10 months). I graduated in April with an MBA from BYU. Since then, we moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where I work in Human Resources for the Kellogg Company. You can follow us through our blog: http://luckyshirts.blogspot.com/

Read More